Research shows lingering affects of lockdown

According to research by classroom tool Kahoot, over half (51%) of UK teachers do not believe their school is adequately prepared for another lockdown.

Kahoot surveyed its teacher network of over 300,000 teachers to ask about school preparedness should lockdowns reoccur, and what legacies remain in the classroom for those students still in the system.
 
A fifth (20%) of teachers cite student access issues (e.g. lack of devices or internet at home) as the main barrier, 20% blame lack of funding, Nearly a fifth (19%) highlight challenges in supporting vulnerable students remotely.

The research found that over a quarter (27%) of teachers would quit rather than face another lockdown.
 
Over half (51%) of UK teachers believe student engagement has worsened since lockdown, pointing to ongoing challenges in re-engaging students in a traditional classroom setting
 
A third (34%) of teachers say their students, post lockdown, have shorter attention spans and struggling more to maintain concentration
 
Nearly a quarter (23%) cited increased anxiety and psychological issues amongst students
 
Teacher relationships have been impacted too: 27% report stronger bonds with colleagues post-lockdown; 18% say their individual relationships have worsened.
 
Sean D’Arcy, Chief Solutions Officer at Kahoot! comments: "The survey’s findings are deeply concerning: teachers are expressing their concerns that schools and the education system have failed to adequately address the last pandemic's impact on British schoolchildren. Even after five years, it feels like schools are still not equipped for any future lockdowns. Disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs, who were already facing challenges, are now at an even greater risk of falling behind. It's concerning to see how these circumstances affect the most vulnerable learners.
 
The pandemic stress-tested the education system in the UK, revealing strengths and exposing vulnerabilities. With over half of UK teachers believing their schools are not in a better position to handle lockdown-mandated remote teaching and learning than in 2020, we can clearly see a disconnect between perceived systemic improvements and on-the-ground realities.
 
"On one hand, we see the strength and adaptability of UK educators: many report improved relationships with colleagues and personal growth in their teaching skills.
 
"However, the most concerning finding of this survey is the risk of losing valuable teaching talent. Many teachers indicated they would consider leaving the profession if another lockdown were imposed, highlighting the significant pressure they have faced. Additionally, the reported decline in student engagement, along with ongoing impacts on attention spans and mental health, should be taken seriously. This survey gives us an honest insight into the real challenges faced by teachers and students during lockdown.
 
"The education sector has shown incredible grit and innovation, but it's clear that the effects of the pandemic linger. Despite these challenges, there is hope on the horizon as educators, policymakers, and technology innovators collaborate to create more resilient, flexible, and inclusive educational systems that can thrive in any circumstance.”