THE principal of Cheshire College has hailed learners and staff upon a successful return to campuses, which saw thousands of Covid tests carried out.

Over the past two weeks, Cheshire College has welcomed thousands of learners back to their three campuses in Chester, Ellesmere Port and Crewe, culminating what has been a different, but extremely successful term for the region’s largest provider of post-16 education.

The college reopened to all learners on a phased approach from Monday, March 8, and has seamlessly transitioned from remote learning to a blended delivery model whilst maintaining high levels of safety throughout.

Having implemented a number of protective measures at the start of the academic year, including one-way systems, social distancing, thermal imaging cameras, face coverings and hand sanitising stations, the college has now also introduced asymptomatic testing at all campuses to ensure face-to-face teaching can be conducted as safely as possible.

During the 10-day period from Monday, March 8 to Friday, March 19, which saw all learners attend college at least once, 10,000 Lateral Flow Device Tests were conducted with the support of over 100 volunteers at 74 testing stations in 19 centres across the college’s three campuses.

Dhesi, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, said: “I am extremely proud of both our learners and staff who have all played their part in contributing to what has been a smooth transition back to campus.

"The care, compassion and understanding shown by everyone has allowed us to maintain high levels of safety across our Campuses and it’s been absolutely delightful welcoming learners back to college.

“Whilst term two started differently to how we envisaged it, it has nevertheless been a huge success across the board and through our strengthened virtual learning environments we have achieved some fantastic things as a college. Learners and staff have shown tremendous resilience and adaptability and it’s been brilliant to celebrate another term of fantastic academic achievements.”

Staff and learners from across the college have also taken the opportunity to come together virtually during term two - from taking part in AoC (Association of Colleges) Sport’s Lunar Challenge to support their health and well-being to attending one of the most anticipated events in Cheshire College’s calendar, the Apprenticeship Awards, which coincided with National Apprenticeship Week in February.

To learn more about at Cheshire College, visit ccsw.ac.uk and register for the College’s next Virtual Open Day which will be taking place on Monday, April 26.

Attendees will be able to chat to subject specialists, find out more about courses and facilities, get guidance on applications, funding and travel, as well as take part in a live question and answer session designed to give a flavour of college life.