Statement from Shrewsbury Colleges Group following the announcement from the UK Government of a national lockdown.
Following the announcement from the UK Government on Monday 4th January of a national lockdown, Shrewsbury Colleges Group can confirm that we will NOT be requiring students, other than those identified as Vulnerable, to attend any of the campuses effective from close of normal college hours on Monday 4th January 2021.
There is a Frequently Asked Questions section available here (Updated link to be added).
Much of the detail relating to the Government’s announcement has yet to be provided to colleges and schools and therefore we are unable to answer specific questions currently, but we will share this information as soon as we have it.
Students with exams and assessments in the summer and their parents
We are awaiting further information about the process for exams going forward following the announcement regarding exams for summer 2021.
The government guidance published 4th January states:
“In the circumstances, we do not think it is possible for all exams in the summer to go ahead as planned. We will accordingly be working with Ofqual to consult rapidly to put in place alternative arrangements that will allow students to progress fairly.”
We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult time and that students and parents understandably will be wanting reassurance regarding the alternative arrangements.
At the moment, we do not know how any internal college assessments, coursework or assignments will or won’t be used as part of the alternative arrangements and therefore we are not in a position currently to answer any questions that students and parents may have.
We will contact students once the details have been finalised and we are able to advise.
How will learning continue:
SCG will be providing lessons and guidance for students via online platforms to continue their studies during this period.
We expect all students to continue to engage fully with their studies over the next few weeks of lockdown as this work may be used as part of the assessment process for the student’s final grades. We firmly believe that education is about learning and not just teaching to pass a test and would encourage all of our students to continue their studies to the best of their ability.
Vulnerable students and their parents & carers
We have contacted students who are considered Vulnerable to discuss attending college. If you have not been contacted and consider that this may be the safest option for you, please contact us by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
The official advice is that Vulnerable students are those students who have a social worker OR those students with an educational health and care plan (EHCP) OR those with safeguarding and welfare needs.
Higher Education Students
Students studying Higher Education courses with us on either a full-time or part-time basis will continue with their education on an online basis. The Higher Education facility at London Road will be closed effective from closure of college hours on Monday 4th January 2021.
Students should direct any questions about their course requirements to their Course Leader.
Apprenticeships
Following the announcement by the Prime Minister on Monday 4th January, some Apprentices will remain in work and therefore will be able to continue their on-the-job training. The employer will inform Apprentices if they are still to attend work. All apprentices will be able to continue their off the job training with college through remote learning.
The Apprentice should contact their Assessor for further details and plans for their ‘off the job’ element of their Apprenticeship.
Students applying to SCG for 2021/22 education year and their parents
SCG is still accepting applications from students wanting to study with us in the next academic year (2021/22). We will provide further information to applicants once the government publishes the alternative arrangements for GCSEs. We will work with individual students and partner schools to ensure that no student misses out on their preferred course because of the changes.
Any student who was due to attend an interview in college for a place for 2021/22 will receive an interview via telephone. We will contact the students to arrange times.
