Operational Guidance for schools update: Schools in England will be aware that the Operational Guidance for schools will change from tomorrow (February 24), and that the twice-weekly testing requirement changed on Monday (February 21). BSA has contacted the DfE regarding the impact of this change on testing In boarding environments. The DfE has advised that schools should follow the updated operational guidance, so from February 21, twice-weekly testing in schools, including boarding schools, will no longer be advised.
In Scotland the guidance has also been updated, with requirements to wear face coverings and other legal requirements to be lifted on March 21.
Further guidance is still awaited for Wales. Northern Ireland guidance was updated last week, but all four devolved nations retain the advice that those who test positive should continue self-isolate on public health grounds, even where there is no legal requirement to do so.
Student visa concessions extended to June 30, 2022:Â BSA has received several queries from members concerned about the end of the student visa concessions on April 6 2022 and requests for clarification on requiring sponsorship to be withdrawn for students who do not return to the UK by that date.
Following BSA’s ongoing discussions with the Home Office, it has confirmed that concessions on distance learning and blended learning have now been extended until June 30, 2022.
We will share the Home Office’s updated guidance with members when this is available.
If you need any further support with immigration or legal services, please contact Sabrina Kadi, BSA In-House Legal Counsel, at bsa@boarding.org.uk.
