Lack of internet access still the biggest obstacle to successful online learning, says NAHT

The Education Endowment Foundation has published an evaluation of the National Online Tuition Pilot aimed to support disadvantaged pupils by providing fully subsidised tuition during the summer of 2020.

Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “Before the pandemic, very little was known about the efficacy of online learning. We hope that this study is the start rather than the end of the research that will need to be done if we are to fully understand the potential and the limitations of different kinds of remote learning activity.

“The biggest limitation, as the report identifies, is still the lack of access to internet connections and devices. Nearly a year on from the first lockdown, many thousands of pupils are still without a device.

“If schools are to play their part in healing the scars left by covid-19, be that educational, developmental or emotional, they and other key support services must be given the additional support, funding and resources they need.”