The Covid-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented six months for the whole world - and never before has the education sector had be so responsive to the fast-moving climate of change.  

London and South East Education Group consists of a college with multiple campuses across south east London, eight schools and an apprenticeship provider. Our response to the pandemic has had to be managed on a wide range of levels - from setting up a SEND provision regional hub to ensuring our college students could continue to study their programmes online.  

In addition, as a group with a vital civic role, we have also had a huge focus on supporting our local communities in ways other than education provision, from running a national virtual food bank campaign to supporting our staff to volunteer and help others.  

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A whole new landscape

We are finally at the point of re-opening our schools and colleges and it’s become evident that the pandemic has shifted us into a whole new landscape. Having moved our college enrolment online for the first time ever, it was difficult to predict the outcome. As planned, we saw just a handful of new students coming into college but our new online enrolment system rolled into action and we saw the numbers we’d hoped for signing up for courses remotely. This was a remarkable achievement given that up until now, we’ve only ever had a face-to-face enrolment system.  

But along with the numbers, we have seen new recruitment patterns emerge which I believe will be with us for some time, reflecting the wider economic situation and the dramatic effect Covid-19 has had on much of our community. The number of 16-18 year-olds enrolling has increased, perhaps as a consequence of uncertainty over exam results and the desire to secure education after such a disruptive period. Higher education applications are lower than in previous years, yet apprenticeships are on the rise due to the positive impact of government incentives and our strong employer relations. 

Due to demand in some specific vocational subjects, we have had to revise some of our initial curriculum planning and lay on more courses in health care. This reflects the fact that job opportunities in this sector are clearly expanding, with people motivated and inspired by the work that’s been done by our amazing NHS over the last few months. Extra construction courses have also been added, following on from the government’s commitment to prioritise major building projects across the capital.  

As a college we have always focused on preparing students for great careers and its now essential that we adapt our provision in line with what’s occurring in the employment market. Guiding students to where new skills gaps are emerging is crucial if we are to support a recovering economy.  

Covid-safe measures

But to achieve these successful outcomes, we need to get our students and staff back onto sites safely and with confidence. A huge amount of work has taken place throughout the summer break to enable this to happen. From one-way systems to extra hand sanitising stations, a range of Covid-safe measures have been put in place on all our sites. We have also made the decision to make face coverings mandatory in communal areas of our college sites to help everyone stay as protected as possible.  

For our younger pupils across our eight schools, life will be slightly different - with new classroom configurations, more cleaning and staggered arrival/departure times. However, our executive headteachers and heads of school are focused on ensuring that while safe, the children have as ‘normal’ a school experience as it possible at this rather extra-ordinary time.  

Key for all our settings during the first few weeks of term will be the task of assessing any lost learning. Testing will be carried out and extra assignments will be set to see where students may have gaps after such a long time out for the classroom. This is a huge challenge, the extent of which is not yet really known, but our focus will be on helping students of all ages to cover any missed ground. This will mean personalised learning for every individual, with an emphasis on maths and English support where needed. 

Supporting students with the technology they need, along with careers and mental health advice is also a priority across our organisation. We firmly believe that no one should be left behind as a result of social or digital poverty. 

There is no doubt that there is much uncertainty facing us all in the coming months as the Covid-19 pandemic rolls on. Yet watching our students return happily to school and college - old and young alike - is truly heart-warming.   

As education leaders we must now focus on doing our best to cut through any anxiety by putting the necessary measures in place, but continuing to celebrate the many positives that are, already, shining through.  

Dr Sam Parrett is chief executive of London & South East Education Group