A pilot program in London schools is using virtual reality (VR) headsets to help pupils manage stress caused by exams, ADHD, or difficult home lives. All 15 secondary schools in the London borough of Sutton are participating in the initiative, which is run by tech firm Phase Space in collaboration with the local NHS mental health trust.
How the VR Program Works
Students access a seven-minute VR program either during prearranged slots or when they need to leave a lesson due to anxiety. The immersive experience helps them calm down, rebuild confidence, and return to their studies. Zillah Watson, a co-creator of the program and former head of VR at the BBC, said Phase Space is designed for "overwhelmed and anxious students."
Positive Outcomes Reported
Aelisha Needham, vice-principal at Ark Academy in north London, which also uses the headsets, noted that students with social, emotional, or mental health issues, including ADHD and anxiety, benefit greatly. "We mostly use it in the mornings," she said. "Students are a lot calmer. We’re seeing a reduction in relocations from lessons where students are asked to leave because they’re deregulated." Pupils now request the program when feeling overwhelmed, helping them "ground themselves" instead of walking out of class.
According to Watson, nine out of ten pupils who used the headsets in the first ten schools experienced an immediate drop in stress. The program has led to improvements in attendance, behavior, and reduced exam-related anxiety.
Student Testimonials
Sixteen-year-old Lora Wilson described how Phase Space helps her anxiety: "It’s very difficult to explain but it’s a really cool experience. It almost feels like I’m somewhere else and I can just relax." She added that using the headset boosted her confidence: "Exams terrified me. They don’t scare me as much any more."
Potential for Wider Use
The Sutton schools are working with the child and adolescent mental health service (Camhs) at South West London and St George’s NHS trust. With Camhs services overloaded, VR may offer a low-cost, effective way for schools to help stressed students. Andy Bell, chief executive of the Centre for Mental Health thinktank, said: "It’s encouraging to see digital solutions being used to support children’s mental health at school."
