Universities could be forced to end face-to-face teaching early this term and students told to quarantine in halls in order to go home at Christmas, Gavin Williamson has announced. The Education Secretary sought to quell fears of students being unable to see their families over the festive period, insisting that “every student” would be able to leave university at the end of term. However, he said in order to do so some may be required to quarantine beforehand, requiring universities in certain areas to end “in-person learning early” and shift the remainder of the term online. Mr Williamson said this would only be required for institutions where there were “specific cases” or “specific local circumstances” adding that it would apply to a “very small number of universities.” His comments suggest that universities based in areas with high infection rates will be asked to stop normal teaching before other parts of the country, although a Whitehall source said this would be clarified in new guidance. While Mr Williamson did not say where students would be required to isolate, the source indicated they would be asked to do so in their university accommodation. In a warning shot to vice-chancellors, Mr Williamson also revealed he would be asking the university watchdog to make clear that bonuses should not be handed out where institutions had failed to maintain standards. It comes after the Office for Students on Monday warned that universities may be forced to issue partial refunds and face regulatory action if they allow standards to slip during the pandemic.
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