Today was the day when colleges across England were due to reopen for all students - and it was a day colleges have spent a long time preparing for. 

In February, the government confirmed that rapid Covid tests would play a key role in the return to face-to-face teaching, with all students and staff expected to receive four tests within the first two weeks of on-site delivery, and then two every week after that. 

The Department for Education also confirmed that staff and students in colleges were advised to wear face coverings in all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained. This, the DfE said, was a temporary extra measure. 

So what has it been like for college leaders, staff and students today? We spoke to four leaders to find out. 

College reopening: Here’s to an uneventful Easter term

More: Reopening? The doors of colleges were never closed

Background: Masks to be worn in classrooms

Bill Jones, principal and chief executive, Leeds City College

Lisa O’Loughlin, principal and deputy chief executive, The Manchester College

Paul Padda, vice-principal, East Coast College

David Lambert, deputy chief executive and principal, London South East Colleges