The Scottish government has confirmed that the country’s colleges are preparing for a phased return in the new academic year.

The confirmation comes days after the Westminster government said it was expecting English colleges to begin to open for more students from 15 June. 

Scotland’s minister for FE, HE and science, Richard Lochhead, has written to institutions, outlining the measures and changes related to their institutions, as they prepare over the summer to welcome domestic and international students.

He said he was “immensely proud of the huge contribution our colleges and universities, their staff and students have been making in the fight against this global pandemic, and their efforts to adapt so quickly.”

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“Preparations are now underway for Scotland’s colleges and universities to have a phased campus return in the new academic year, with the safety of students and staff of paramount importance,” Mr Lochhead said. “Scotland is an innovative country and the response of our colleges and universities to deliver a quality experience for their students by continuing to deliver learning and teaching and ensuring that as many of our learners as possible obtain their qualifications will demonstrate this.

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“While next year will undoubtedly be different, studying with our institutions will continue to be world-class, attracting students from across the globe, and anyone thinking about studying in Scotland should apply without delay.”

Under the Scottish government’s route map through the coronavirus crisis, the “third phase” would see universities and colleges return next term with most planning for an initial combination of digital and blended learning with public health measures, including physical distancing in place.

Any changes to the approach outlined will be evidence-based, with the safety of students and staff being of paramount importance, the government said.

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: “Face-to-face college teaching was suspended in March across all college sites in line with Scottish government Covid-19 lockdown advice, but they remained very much open by quickly moving to delivering online and remote learning and teaching.

“Recruitment and application processes for the next academic year in the college sector are already underway, and a college forum has been established to explore how best our colleges can deliver for their learners and staff, including developing the curriculum to be delivered effectively online and remotely.

“We will continue to be guided by the latest public health advice - as the overarching priority is the safety and wellbeing of students and staff in the sector - and it is initially likely there will be a blended approach with both on-site and digital learning. While the timing and specific nature of current restrictions being eased is not yet defined, we will be prepared across the country for the new academic term and our new and continuing students.”