Mass asymptomatic COVID-19 testing in schools, colleges and HE institutions
This report outlines the findings of 2 large-scale asymptomatic testing interventions in education settings.
Applies to England
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This report considers 2 widespread uses of lateral flow devices (LFDs) for mass asymptomatic testing in education settings. Firstly, in higher education institutions (HEIs) in late 2020, when the primary objective was to reduce the risk of transmission from students travelling home from university or college at the end of term for the winter break. Secondly, in secondary schools and further education colleges in spring 2021 to increase confidence among parents and staff for school pupils to return to on-site education.
Analysis of mass asymptomatic testing in education settings in winter of 2020 and spring of 2021 presented in this report suggests there was not a substantial increase in infections amongst the populations of schools, colleges and universities. Testing of students, pupils and staff had the potential to reduce the spread of infection.
Survey data in schools and colleges found that parents and pupils felt more confident to attend school due to testing and that those who tested negative were more likely to attend school than those who did not test at all. This suggests that mass testing was an enabler to pupils to return to school and feel safe about doing so.
The evaluations of these interventions show that it was possible to set up asymptomatic testing in schools and universities quickly during the COVID-19 pandemic and that a large number of pupils and students took part.