Press Statements
Ruskin College – College closure
20 March 2020
Ruskin College, in line with schools and colleges across the UK, is shutting its doors on government advice today. We have been working closely with our residential students and external agencies since the announcement was made to ensure that every student has a safe place to stay during these extraordinary times.
We are extremely fortunate to have our own accommodation on site for our students and to be able to offer life-changing educational opportunities to adult students of all ages, race and background. The current situation in the world is unprecedented and unpredictable. The safety of our students is our absolute primary concern and in most cases this is with family or friends. In common with universities across the country we have been working around the clock to find suitable accommodation for those who are struggling to find a safe place to go and would like to make it clear that no student will be required to leave with nowhere to go. Our staff are working closely with the local agencies and government bodies to support these students whilst they remain in college accommodation and to complete their studies in a safe and supported environment.
We would also like to clarify that no eviction orders have been issued at any stage and in the very small number of cases where rent has been paid to the end of the term the balance is being returned. The vast majority of our students qualify for a bursary payment which means that they do not pay any rent and receive food, provisions and allowances from the College throughout their studies. Those students who have left accommodation and returned home to continue their studies and who qualify for the bursary will continue to receive it. Chromebooks have been made available to those students who need them as well as online resources to support their continuing studies and ensure they achieve.
Our tutors and welfare staff will continue to teach and support the students through this difficult time and ensure that they are able to complete their studies. All the staff at Ruskin wish all students and their families, residential and otherwise, all the very best over the coming weeks and we look forward to seeing them return to their studies here as soon as is possible.
For further enquiries please contact Nicki O’Shea
07752 495128