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When Corona Infested Everything—A Qualitative Interview Study Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on School Life from the Perspectives of English Secondary School Staff and Students

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Bell

    (The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
    Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK)

  • Jane Williams

    (School of Psychology, University of Bedfordshire, Luton LU1 3JU, UK)

  • Jeremy Horwood

    (The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
    Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK)

  • Sabi Redwood

    (The National Institute for Health and Care Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West), University Hospitals Bristol, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
    Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UD, UK)

Abstract

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, transmission and illness during the pandemic, the Department for Education (DfE) issued guidance to schools. However, research on how the school community perceives the impact of the COVID-19 mitigation measures outlined remains limited. This qualitative study aims to explore the effects of school closures and in-school mitigation measures on daily school life, as well as their impact on mental health and wellbeing from the perspective of English secondary school staff and students. Participants were purposively sampled from English secondary schools serving diverse communities participating in the COVID-19 Mapping and Mitigation in Schools study (CoMMinS). Selection ensured representation of staff roles and student demographics. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely, and data analysed thematically. Interviews took place between January and August 2021 with participants from five secondary schools (20 staff and 25 students). Both staff and students reported significant disruption to school life, with four themes identified: (1) teaching and learning impact, (2) social impact, (3) safeguarding impact, and (4) and mental health and wellbeing impact. Findings highlight widespread negative effects across every aspect of school life, for both staff and students. This study suggests that COVID-19 mitigation measures in UK secondary schools led to a sense of loss and uncertainty as well as increased self-reported stress among both staff and students.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Bell & Jane Williams & Jeremy Horwood & Sabi Redwood, 2025. "When Corona Infested Everything—A Qualitative Interview Study Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 Mitigation Measures on School Life from the Perspectives of English Secondary School Staff and Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:915-:d:1675447
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katriona O’Sullivan & Serena Clark & Amy McGrane & Nicole Rock & Lydia Burke & Neasa Boyle & Natasha Joksimovic & Kevin Marshall, 2021. "A Qualitative Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
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