Eastern Education Group has brought home a prestigious national award for the work of its state-of-the-art Extended Reality (XR) Lab in Bury St Edmunds.

Marked by a glitzy ceremony at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester, the Education Estates Awards celebrate excellence and achievement within the education sector, with categories ranging from innovation, to sustainability, to design.

The XR Lab scooped the 'Inspiring Learning Space' award on the night, with Tom Lloyd, Eastern Education Group's Director of Skills and Strategic Development, saying:

"We're absolutely thrilled to have won this award among such an outstanding collection of finalists this year. The Inspiring Learning Space award highlights everything we aim to achieve with the XR Lab; blazing new trails in immersive education and creating a cutting-edge environment where learners and businesses can thrive."

Since officially opening in December 2023, the impressive £2m high-tech facility has gone from strength to strength, making an impact in the local business community as well as on the global stage. Designed by WindsorPatania Architects, the XR Lab aims to push the boundaries of educational architecture and create new, personalised learning methods that extend far beyond traditional classroom teaching.

Jake Mills, Technical Developer of VR at Eastern Education Group, said:

"An XR experience is a safe space for students to make mistakes and learn by doing. We can put people in places and scenarios that would be otherwise expensive, impractical, or even impossible.

"XR technology can make learning accessible by removing the barrier of geography and allowing users to collaborate from anywhere."

Benadict Joseph, Technical Operations Manager at the XR Lab, has said that XR technology can be used to support learning at any age and in any stage of the education system.

"Learners from young ages have had the chance to experience the XR Lab through primary school visits and Skills Escalator events.

"Showing younger learners how XR can be applied in different fields and industries gives them an idea of what the future of learning could look like, and could potentially inspire the next generation of innovators."

In terms of next steps for the XR Lab, Jake says:

"The XR Lab is working to further integrate XR into existing teaching and learning. The development of bespoke XR content through collaboration with our partners will produce experiences that enhance learning for students across the group and beyond."

Interested in seeing the XR Lab for yourself? Come along to the free upcoming open day on Saturday, November 16, at Eastern Education Group's University and Professional Development Centre to meet the team and have a look around.