Dudley Academies TrustNewsThe Link Academy
An innovative partnership between Dudley Academies Trust and Cornerstone VR is transforming staff development through powerful immersive learning. Since the partnership began in February 2026, colleagues have been able to explore real-life experiences from new perspectives, deepening their understanding and strengthening the support they provide to learners.
Throughout the programme, the Cornerstone VR team worked closely with us to tailor the sessions to the specific needs of our staff, providing expert guidance and support at every stage of the planning and delivery process.
As part of a pilot initiative, we delivered two sessions for staff working in our Alternative Provision setting. The feedback was exceptionally positive. All participants reported that the training provided a completely new learning experience, and 100% confirmed that they felt comfortable using the VR headsets.
The sessions enabled staff to gain a powerful first-hand perspective on the lived experiences associated with adverse childhood experiences, viewed through the eyes of a child. This immersive approach encouraged a deeper understanding of the factors behind presenting behaviours and supported staff to develop more solution-focused discussions and strategies for both classroom environments and individual learners.
We have now trained the Designated Safeguarding Leads at our secondary schools to use the headsets and deliver the programme. We will roll the training out more widely across the Trust.
We have found the experience both impactful and thought-provoking. It has provided meaningful professional development and enhanced our staff’s understanding and practice.
Through our ongoing partnership with Cornerstone VR, we have been selected to help produce video content that will support staff development through Cornerstone VR’s immersive training across the region and beyond. Filming is already under way at The Link Academy, whose outstanding support has been instrumental in bringing the project to life. The academy has welcomed the production crew with great professionalism and enthusiasm, and its staff have worked hard to ensure that filming runs smoothly. The Link Academy’s learners have also been exceptional, engaging confidently and positively with the Cornerstone VR production crew and representing their academy superbly throughout.
For further information about Cornerstone VR training, please contact Paul Townsend, Dudley Academies Trust’s Trust-wide Safeguarding & Inclusion Lead. Discover more about Cornerstone VR below:
