News / Tech
Friends-founded EdTech firm powers hundreds of universities worldwide
A Bristol-based EdTech firm is making waves around the world by supporting over 100 universities with its innovative learning tools.
LearnSci, based at Orchard Court in St Augustine’s Yard in city centre, was founded by three friends — John Eastman, Bill Heslop and Tony Baldwin. John and Bill are scientists by training while Tony brings an engineering background to the team.
The inspiration for LearnSci emerged while John was studying for his PhD at the University of Bristol. He saw the untapped potential of digital tools to bring complex scientific concepts to life and boost engagement among learners and teachers.
The trio launched the EdTech firm in 2007 while collaborating with the University of Bristol. And the rest, as they say, is history.
Word quickly spread and universities around the world began adopting their innovative tools. The team worked with the University of Bristol, which in 2010, with its Bristol ChemLabs, was named the Times Higher Education (THE) Outstanding ICT Initiative of the Year.
Their client list includes some top global institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Glasgow, Universidad Europea and the University of Sydney.
LearnSci’s flagship tools — LabSims and Smart Worksheets — allow students to practise lab skills and build scientific knowledge anytime and anywhere, while not claiming to replace face-to-face teaching.
With instant personalised feedback, the tools increase student engagement and have been shown to boost average scores from 74 per cent to 85 per cent, while also helping to reduce fear of failure and build confidence.
The learning tools of LearnSci have been adopted by over 100 universities worldwide
Lecturers also benefit, enjoying reduced marking workloads and valuable insights into student progress.
“A colleague who’s worked with me for a long time couldn’t understand the sudden improvement in students. I showed him the Smart Worksheets — and then he understood. It was clear we’d hit on something,” said professor Dudley Shallcross at the University of Bristol.
Co-founder Bill adds: “Our purpose is to help students succeed and get stronger graduates into the workplace.
“That means working with academics and empowering them to inspire future scientists. Digital learning doesn’t replace in-person teaching or lab work — it complements it, helping to create more fulfilled and engaged academics and students.”
John, who studied chemistry, highlights: “Our tools allow students to receive instant feedback so they can learn from their mistakes, consolidate their thinking and improve immediately.”
John, a Bristol native and former pupil at Cotham School, became a member of staff at the Bristol Colloid Centre, where he also led the postgraduate teaching labs and developed methods for incorporating animation and simulation into both face-to-face and online training.
Tony, who grew up in Brockworth — famously home to the UK’s wildest cheese-rolling race — studied audio and video engineering at Salford University where he discovered a passion for the creative side of technology.
Turning mistakes into memory 🎓
Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re growth opportunities. Safe, low-stakes practice with instant feedback boosts confidence & understanding.
The Smart Worksheet Library supports independent learning & frees educators for high-impact teaching → ow.ly/s17e50WFXTJ
— LearnSci (@learnsci.com) August 14, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Tony said: “We spend time with our university partners to understand their challenges so we can best help them and offer hands-on support throughout the academic year.”
The trio, each bringing different skills that naturally bounced off one another at work, had previously collaborated on a government contract to deliver online training.
All photos: LearnSci
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