Written questions, answers and statements

Universities: Coronavirus

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Question for Department for Education

UIN 48283, tabled on 18 May 2020

Question

Hilary Benn
Labour
Leeds Central
Commons

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has for the re-opening of universities in autumn 2020.

Answer

Michelle Donelan
Conservative
Chippenham
Commons

Answered on

2 June 2020

We expect universities to be open for the autumn term, with a blend of online teaching and in-person tuition that they consider appropriate, taking account of the need to minimise risk to staff and students.

We are working with the higher education sector to identify guidance and best practice that will be needed for universities to make informed decisions about their provision. This will help them to decide when and how they can make facilities accessible again for staff and students in a way that minimises the risks and in line with public health advice.

Universities have remained open throughout lockdown and have applied their research expertise to finding solutions to the COVID-19 outbreak in this unprecedented period. They have also delivered some fantastic and innovative examples of high-quality online learning, and now the sector is working hard in preparation for the new academic year.

Answered by

Department for Education
Named day
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