The study ‘Consequences of 16 months of coronavirus for education’ by the Inspectorate of Education, covering all sectors of education, shows that overall there are fewer concerns about cognitive delays than at the beginning of the pandemic. However, less attention was paid to pupils’ social, civic and socio-emotional skills. The consequences were also greater for older pupils and students than for younger pupils. This is partly because they received distance learning for much longer. In addition, differences between groups of pupils continued to exist.

The study Consequences of 16 months of coronavirus identified the following findings across several or all sectors.

Fewer concerns about knowledge gaps than at the beginning

The substantive focus was generally placed on basic cognitive skills, the core curriculum, language and arithmetic. This has yielded results for groups of pupils and students; there are fewer concerns about cognitive delays than were expected at the start of the pandemic. There are also few concerns about general subjects among students in secondary vocational education (mbo). Approximately one third of students in higher education (ho) report having experienced delays, while the governing boards of higher education institutions present a more positive picture of study progress in discussions.

Social and civic aspects received less attention

However, other aspects of education received less attention. The educational offering was narrowed during the coronavirus pandemic, which is noticeable in pupils’ social, civic and socio-emotional skills. Internships in secondary (special) education were partly cancelled. Work-based learning in secondary vocational education (mbo) was also partly unable to take place or had to be organised in a different way. As a result, there are concerns in a number of domains about delays in important skills that will be needed in the near future. Internships were also cancelled in some higher education programmes.

Consequences greater for older pupils/students than for younger pupils

The general trend is that the consequences for older pupils and students are greater than for younger pupils. These include negative well-being, problems with motivation and concentration, and a lack of connection and contact. The fact that the measures differed by sector and age group obviously plays a role here. Older pupils and students had to follow distance education for much longer. The importance of in-person education has once again become very clear.

Differences between groups of pupils continue to exist

Differences between groups of pupils and students also continue to exist. Concerns about cognitive and socio-emotional development are particularly high for pupils and students with additional support needs, partly because of complex home situations.

Schools proud of the tailored support they provided

Governing boards primarily played a facilitating and supportive role. They gave schools and educational programmes the professional space to respond flexibly to the constantly changing situations. Maintaining contact with pupils and students and providing the best possible education were central to them. This enabled school leaders, teachers and instructors to provide tailored support to their pupils and students. School leaders, teachers and instructors say they are proud of what was achieved under difficult circumstances and with a high workload.

Greater insight into opportunities to work differently in education

The measures provided an opportunity to work differently in education. This yielded insights into the changes people would like to retain in the future. For example, there are calls to retain smaller classes and provide more intensive personal guidance. Improved contact with parents is also a positive outcome of the past period. In some cases, digital resources save time, such as with team meetings and internship discussions held remotely. Some governing boards see the coronavirus period as a springboard towards greater flexibility and tailored education, for example in terms of teaching time and the form of education.

Higher workload and more stress among school leaders, teachers and instructors

For school leaders, teachers and instructors, the coronavirus measures resulted in a higher workload and more stress. They did everything possible to keep education going and not lose sight of any pupil or student. Teachers and instructors say they are proud of what was achieved under the difficult circumstances. Support and personal attention from management, including attention to well-being, helped in this regard.

Long-term effects difficult to predict

Finally, the education sector and the Inspectorate must also look further ahead; it is currently difficult to predict what the coronavirus measures will mean for pupils and students in the long term. This includes their development, their educational careers, their entry into the labour market and their well-being.

Publications by sector

For each sector, you will find a factsheet outlining the main findings of the study. Read the findings for:

Each factsheet contains links to more in-depth texts. You can also download the technical reports there.