Portsmouth College Secures Grant for Immersive Learning Technology
Students at City of Portsmouth College will benefit from AI-powered VR roleplay technology to boost confidence and skills.
By Natalie Osborne
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a VR headset and controllers on a desk.
City of Portsmouth College has secured a grant to implement an innovative immersive learning programme called Bodyswaps, aiming to enhance student confidence and speaking skills.
The college is one of only 28 organisations nationwide to be accepted onto Bodyswaps’ new grant programme, which provides students with access to its technology and innovation at no charge.
Bodyswaps offers interactive, AI-powered roleplays accessible via VR, PC, and mobile devices. This technology allows learners to develop confidence and speaking skills. For City of Portsmouth College, the grant will support students in Early Years and Law programmes over the next three months. Students can practice conversations and simulated job interviews, receiving feedback and exploring different approaches in a safe, supportive environment.
The Bodyswaps Open Conversation feature enables staff to create bespoke roleplays directly linked to their teaching. This provides students with opportunities to apply their learning through relevant scenarios.
Within the Early Years curriculum, the programme forms part of an NCFE research initiative focused on professional discussion skills. For Law students, it will explore how roleplay can strengthen communication and confidence for future careers.
Janie Gonsalez and Paddy Ferguson from Bodyswaps visited the Sixth Form Campus to provide on-site training. Jack Pauley, Head of Digital, Quality & Innovation at City of Portsmouth College, observed the technology in action.
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"We’re excited to see how a little more space to practice could make a real difference to our learners’ confidence. One of the things I’m particularly excited about is the AI roleplay functionality. Staff can upload a specific job description, and learners can then take part in a simulated interview, with questions tailored specifically to the role they’ve chosen. It has so much potential for building confidence, developing employability skills and increasing engagement. It’s also really accessible. Our students can experience the platform through VR, on a laptop, or even from home, giving them the opportunity to practice in a safe environment where they can build their confidence at their own pace."
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"We’re delighted to be partnering with City of Portsmouth College on this project. Confidence in conversation isn’t something you can learn from a textbook. It comes from repeated practice – having the space to get things wrong, reflect and try again. What stood out during our visit to the Sixth Form Campus was how many possibilities staff could see for their own learners, across a huge range of different curriculum areas. We’re really excited to see what the staff create, and what the students achieve, over the next three months!"
Based on information from the official source: Portsmouth College (23/10/2026)
