Impact of KS1 school closures on attainment

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the very youngest pupils in schools had their schooling and social interactions in the classroom disrupted by lengthy periods of partial school closures and remote learning. Since then, schools have worked tirelessly to support their learning recovery.

To understand the long-term impact of the pandemic on these children's learning and social skills, NFER has led a unique longitudinal study following over 4,700 pupils as they progress through primary school.

Below you will find the annual findings from this study, the most recent of which was captured in spring 2024 when the pupils were in Years 4 and 5.

This study has only been possible thanks to the ongoing support of participating schools. We would like to say a huge thank you to all those involved for their time and input.

Latest research from the fourth year of the study (2023/24)

Pupil At Desk

Summary for schools: Impact of Key Stage 1 school closures on later attainment and social skills (2023/24)

Key findings from the study following children as they reach Years 4 and 5, along with insights on where schools are now focussing pupil support.
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Pupil And Teaching Assistant

Full report: Impact of Key Stage 1 school closures on later attainment and social skills (2023/24)

The full report from the fourth year of the study, when the pupils were in Years 4 and 5.
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Research from the third year of the study (2022/23)

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Summary for schools: Impact of Key Stage 1 school closures on later attainment and social skills (2022/23)

Headline findings from the study as pupils reach Years 3 and 4.
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Full report: Impact of Key Stage 1 school closures on later attainment and social skills (2022/23)

The full report from the third year of this longitudinal study, when the pupils were in Years 3 and 4.
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Research from the second year of the study (2021/22)

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Summary for schools: Impact of Key Stage 1 school closures on later attainment and social skills (2021/22)

Headline findings from the study as pupils reach Years 2 and 3.
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Impact Of Ks1 Closures 5

Full report: Impact of Key Stage 1 school closures on subsequent attainment and social skills (2021/22)

The full report from the second year of this longitudinal study, when the pupils were in Years 2 and 3.
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Research from the first year of the study (2020/21)

Experiences During Third Period Of School Closures

Full report: Impact of school closures and support strategies on attainment in Key Stage 1 (2020/21)

The full report from the first year of this study, which looks at pupils’ attainment and wellbeing in Years 1 and 2,
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