Futurelab is an independent not-for-profit organisation (registered charity number 1113051) committed to developing creative and innovative approaches to education, teaching and learning. We achieve this through a mixture of research, events, school development and resources across the UK and internationally.
Our work to date covers a range of both topical and forward-thinking areas including curriculum innovation; digital literacy and participation; learning spaces; play and computer games and assessment.
Futurelab was set-up in 2001 as part of NESTA, with start-up funding from the Department for Education and Skills. Our initial remit was to capitalise on the UK’s strength in digital media and content to enhance the learning experience for school children. Early landmark projects included Savannah, MediaStage and Space Signpost.
In April 2006 Futurelab spun out of NESTA to become an independent charity. The remit of the organisation evolved to focus more on learning and teaching innovation, maintaining its specialist knowledge of digital technologies but expanding into new areas such as social justice, and digital literacy and participation, typified by projects like Enquiring Minds and Beyond Current Horizons.
In December 2010 Futurelab’s Bristol offices closed and our new headquarters opened in London. This change in location will enable the organisation to work more flexibly with a wide range of clients and stakeholders whilst delivering innovative and creative approaches to teaching and learning based on quality research.