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Lost learning recovery: Evidence does not support extending the school day or year

Curriculum Government policy Coronavirus Remote education Covid recovery
Some of the ‘superficially attractive’ ideas being considered for how we can help pupils’ to recover lost learning are simply not supported by the evidence of what works, despairing school leaders have said. Pete Henshaw reports


The rumour-mill has been in full swing over exactly how the government will help young people “catch-up” on learning lost during the pandemic.

The government’s newly appointed education recovery commissioner, Sir Kevan Collins – the former chief executive of the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) – said this week that “all ideas were on the table”.

School leaders have urged the government to listen to the experts and have said that speculation is “misconceived and unhelpful”.

It comes after the national media carried reports that ministers are tempted by plans to lengthen the summer term into August, when proper classroom ventilation and outdoor learning are easier.

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