Bury College has remained open and is providing essential support for vulnerable students and students of critical workers whilst also adopting a range of measures to support students who are learning remotely.

In line with recommendations from the Department for Education, the College has stayed open to ensure learners can continue with their education. A range of measures have also been implemented to ensure every student benefits from online learning and remains supported throughout this challenging time.

Throughout January 2021, Bury College has worked hard to support students, whilst adhering to rigorous safety measures. These have included*:

  • 474 vulnerable students have received weekly phone calls
  • 345 students have had access to specialist face-to-face teaching
  • 1,634 hours of face-to-face teaching is delivered in an average week
  • A number of home visits have been made to ensure the welfare of our young people and to provide support to them and their families
  • A number of families have been provided access to food parcels and signposted to services for financial support
  • 530 Covid tests have been carried out
  • 926 students were entered into paper-based exams

Bury College students have received continued ongoing support. Over the Christmas period, 20 students were provided with vouchers and arrangements were made for a small number of students to attend community arranged Christmas lunches.

In addition to this, the College has recently celebrated exceptional English and maths results from the November 2020 resits. In total, 292 students achieved a grade 4 or above in maths and 195 students achieved a grade 4 or above in English. From this week onwards, an impressive 40 hours will be dedicated to additional small group support which will be provided to students each week by our English and maths specialist tutors.

Becky Tootell, Bury College Deputy Principal said, “Throughout the pandemic, Bury College has worked extremely hard to remain open to offer essential support for vulnerable students and students of critical workers. This experience of having continually provided a safe learning environment, strongly placed the College ready to adapt to this most recent lockdown. We could also further the support for our remote learners to ensure every student is given the opportunity to engage in their studies.”

*Figures correct at time of print