Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of universities' response to the covid-19 outbreak.

We are very proud and grateful for the leadership that we have seen from our higher education providers in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, and the incredibly creative and pragmatic ideas they have managed to develop in such a short space of time.

This sector is one of those at the frontline in the battle we are facing – from developing ground-breaking research and supplying equipment to releasing thousands of volunteers to support our NHS.

We also know this has been a difficult and uncertain time for students, but we are working with the sector to make sure all reasonable efforts are being made to enable students to continue their studies. We have seen some fantastic and innovative examples of high-quality online teaching being delivered by providers across the country.

Furthermore, for the next academic year, providers are planning for a blended approach where teaching is delivered through a mix of online and face-to-face provision, or a dual approach with face-to-face provision replicated online to support those who are unable to attend in person and to allow self-isolation as and when required as societal and personal circumstances change. This will ensure a high quality academic experience can be delivered for students during 2020-21.