The Lingering Impact: Lost Learning in the Wake of the Pandemic

The Lingering Impact of Lost Learning Throughout Lockdown

As we draw closer to the end of another year, I have spoken with many students, parents and schools about the lingering effects of the pandemic on children’s progress this year. I have heard varying thoughts and opinions, and, as with every other year, seen each individual child progress at a different speed.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented disruptions to the education system, affecting millions of children worldwide. But as we sit and reflect on the challenges faced over the past year, albeit very different challenges to those during lockdown, it is crucial we understand and acknowledge the lingering impact of lost learning and how it continues to affect our young people.

It goes without saying, the closure of schools and the shift to remote learning during the pandemic led to significant disruptions in children's education. The lack of face-to-face instruction, reduced social interactions, and varied access to online resources have impacted students' learning progress, particularly in core subjects such as Maths, English, and Science. Additionally, the closure of schools also affected the emotional well-being and social development of children.

Recognising the challenges faced by students, many parents have sought additional support through tuition. According to recent surveys, there was a substantial increase in the number of children accessing tuition services during the pandemic and the demand for tutoring has surged as parents strive to bridge the learning gaps and provide their children with additional academic support. In England, the National Tutoring Program (NTP) was rolled out at a huge expense but what impact has that had and how is this provision tracked? (But that’s a whole other article)

The positive outcome, which we have witnessed first hand at Making the Grade, is the effectiveness of 1:1 online tuition. The use of ever evolving technology has made learning live online extremely accessible, effective and the preferred choice for many.

The disruption of the past few years has obviously raised concerns about the impact on students' exam results again this year, and whilst every effort has been made to mitigate the effects, this year has seen complaints about Key Stage 2 SAT’s and AS Maths papers being “the hardest ever”. But whilst exams went back to normal this Summer, the forecasts suggest that there may be some disparities in grades this year, reflecting the challenges students have faced due to the disrupted learning environments, so the results of this year's cohort will no doubt make for interesting analysis.

Key Stage 2 (KS2) and Key Stage 3 (KS3) are critical stages in a child's education, laying the foundation for future academic success. The pandemic has inevitably affected the levels of attainment in these key stages and, at Making the Grade, we have seen how the fundamental building blocks usually acquired in Key Stages 1 and 2 have not been adequately cemented by some children. As a result of these gaps, they are unable to progress as quickly with more challenging concepts leading into their GCSE coursework. This is where I have been most interested with student attainment; as they return to the classroom and are immersed in the curriculum for their current year group without the skills on which to develop. Some students have adapted well to this however others have found this extraordinarily difficult, widening the gap further between them and their peers.

While specific data on the current levels may vary, reports indicate that there has been a dip in overall academic progress compared to pre-pandemic times. The disruptions in learning, limited access to resources, and reduced teacher-student interactions have contributed to these challenges despite many schools, educators, and policymakers working diligently to address this.

So how can we continue to address the effects of lost learning? It is crucial to provide targeted interventions, additional support, and resources to help children regain lost ground and thrive academically. Making the Grade has seen an increase in Key Stage 2 and 3 students as parents are accessing tuition services now, in order to provide their children with personalised support and bridge any learning gaps, ensuring they are fully prepared for KS4 and their GCSE’s. Collaboration between schools, tuition companies, educators and parents is essential to identify areas of concern and implement effective strategies to get these children back on track.

As we navigate the path to recovery, it is important to remain positive and proactive. Celebrate the resilience and adaptability our children have shown during these challenging times, embrace the development of a host of other soft skills that are beneficial to their academic, social and emotional development. By working together, we can overcome the obstacles caused by the pandemic and ensure our children's education continues to thrive.

For those of you wishing to stay informed, the UK Department for Education provides valuable information on lost learning and recovery strategies, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) offers a COVID-19 Support Guide for Schools, providing additional resources and guidance, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) conducts research on the impact of school closures on learning, offering insights into the challenges faced and potential solutions, and of course I will no doubt have something to say after results day this year!

Let's remain committed to our young people’s well-being and academic success, ensuring a brighter future for all.