The Scottish government will continue its slow, phased approach to students returning to colleges as it tries to “balance the harms” of longer absences from campus and increasing the risk of the coronavirus spreading, the country’s further education, higher education and science minister has said. 

Speaking to Tes today, Richard Lochhead said the health of students and staff and the role that the student population and the wider sector played “in the national effort to get us through the pandemic” had been “at the forefront of all our minds throughout this crisis”.

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He explained: “Every step of the way we have had to take into account both the scientists’ and clinicians’ advice, but balance all the harms, because this is, yes, all about protecting people’s health, but also we need to minimise the impact on education and the young people’s life chances. [We also need to consider] the other harms, such as on mental health and financial consequences, both in terms of the income of our student population and the wider cost to the sector.”

His was speaking after what the Westminister government called the full reopening of colleges in England to face-to-face learning this week - while in Scotland, only 5 per cent of students can currently be on a college campus. 

Colleges reopening: The ‘clock is ticking’ for students to complete courses

“It is fair to say that in Scotland we are taking a very cautious approach,” said Mr Lochhead. 

He added: “We, at the moment, have given guidance that 5 per cent of students can be on campus, which has enabled our colleges to get some of their practical courses underway. Even if that means getting students in only for a few hours, that can make a big difference in helping them complete their courses.”

Mr Lochhead admitted that time was not working in the sector’s favour. “There is no doubt we are at a bit of a crossroads and the clock is ticking,” he said. “The coming weeks are going to be very crucial, because it is quite clear that we are running out of road for tens of thousands of students to complete their courses. We are working with the sector as the government is considering next steps in terms of the return of our students to campus.”

He said first minister Nicola Sturgeon would be making a statement on 15 March on Scotland’s road out of lockdown, and within that would provide an update on the implications for further and higher education in Scotland.

He said: “Hopefully, at that point, we are going to be able to give as much clarity as we can against the backdrop of an unpredictable pandemic.

“The last thing we want to do is open everything up again only to close it down again shortly afterwards because the number of Covid cases rises significantly. That is just the approach we have decided to take in Scotland.”

Mr Lochhead said the college sector was incredibly diverse, ranging from healthcare students who need placements to construction students who need face-to-face, practical tuition and assessment to get through their qualifications, to business subjects and subjects where online learning is more straightforward.

“But we are talking about tens of thousands of students who rely on face-to-face for their practical subjects. You can’t have gas fitters being given qualifications when they don’t know how to fix a gas boiler.

“It is fair to say we face a very significant challenge, but the taskforce we have up and running, which aims to ensure the maximum number of students can complete their courses, is making very good progress. The proof in the pudding will be to what extent can we minimise the disruption for students.

“I am confident that the vast majority of students will be able to complete their courses. I have been bowled over by how colleges, accreditation agencies, the Scottish Funding Council and unions are all working very closely together to make sure they can support our students at this time.”

Scotland’s FE minister added: “Students and staff, I hope, can take heart from the growing optimism that we are getting through this with the outlook looking brighter, and everyone is putting their shoulder to the wheel to support learners complete their courses and help those who may not be able to. I want to thank all our students and staff for all their efforts at this time because I know it has been a big ask and that they have made many sacrifices and worked hard.”