Coronavirus (Covid-19): Latest Information

Following the June 10 update from Anna Raleigh, Director of Public Health alerting us to the rising local case rates of Covid-19 in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, we have also received an update from Wandsworth Council alerting us to rising Covid-19 cases in young people across the borough and in London more widely.

It is important that we all do what we can to help stop the spread of Coronavirus so we can all continue to enjoy the ease in restrictions. 

We’d like to remind students and staff to support in the fight against Covid-19 by:

• Using lateral flow device testing twice a week and in advance of coming onto campus or travelling to other areas of the country. You can collect test kits at the neutral zones on all of our campuses. You can also order tests online to be delivered to your home for free.
  
• Continuing to be vigilant by washing hands and wearing face coverings.
  
• Making space and meeting in the fresh air to help stop the spread of Covid-19.
  
• Play your part by following social distancing rules and the rule of six.
  
• Take up vaccination when invited to do so of two doses. The vaccine is now being offered to everyone over the age of 18. If you have not yet been contacted by your GP, contact the NHS or call 119.
  
• Keep up to date with the latest information on our Covid-19 Information Hub.

Students can access support by:

• Contacting RCA’s Student Support Team and resources through Moodle and/or attend a virtual drop-in session on Mondays from 10am-12pm, Wednesdays from 3.30–5.30pm and Fridays from 1–3pm.
  
• Accessing TogetherAll, an online service operating worldwide, which is there to help support your mental health, 24h a day. To join, simply go to their website and sign up under ‘organisation’ with your College email address.
  
• Reaching out to the RCA Student's Union.

Staff can access support by:

• Speaking with your Line Manager
  
• Using the Employee Assistance Programme

Our approach to the academic year 2021/22

Given that the UK Government has announced the end of social distancing restrictions from 19 July, we are planning for on-campus teaching, learning and assessment from September 2021.

The health and safety of our students and staff is our highest priority and we will continue to follow UK Government guidance on the pandemic.

Unless there are further changes to UK Government guidance, we will be welcoming you to campus in September.

What if there are further restrictions?

Should the UK Government introduce further national or London-specific restrictions in or before the 2021/22 academic year, the College reserves the right to adapt teaching delivery and access to campus. Depending on the restrictions in place, this could be a blended or wholly online approach which could also limit workshop access.

We will be sharing our detailed planning for a number of scenarios with students in advance of the start of the next academic year. However, with all of the experience and knowledge we have gained during the academic year 2020/21, we are confident in our ability to deliver a positive student experience that meets our high academic standards.

Can I defer my place until next year?

The College is not accepting any requests from applicants to defer their place until autumn 2022 from those who have accepted an offer for the 2021/22 academic year.

If you wish to withdraw your application having read this message, then please let us know by responding to this message by 2 August 2021 and we will then refund your deposit paid in full.

You will of course be able to re-apply for a College programme in future years and your withdrawal will not impact negatively on any future application.

If you are unable to travel to the UK due to ongoing restrictions, please contact [email protected] and we will consider whether alternative arrangements would be possible.

I want to proceed with my application, what are the next steps?

Offer holders for 2021/22 entry will be contacted by Registry with details on how to complete the registration process and start their RCA journey.

For more information

• Staff and students, please check the intranet regularly for updates and detailed information. 
• Answering applicants' questions

Latest advice on self-isolation if you have symptoms 

Self-isolate immediately if:

• you have any symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste)
• you've tested positive for coronavirus – this means you have coronavirus
• you live with someone who has symptoms or has tested positive
• someone in your support bubble has symptoms or has tested positive
• you're told by NHS Test and Trace that you've been in contact with a person with coronavirus

If you have symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. You should arrange to have a test to see if you have Covid-19 – go to NHS testing to arrange. Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

See the latest NHS information and advice on Covid-19, and the latest guidance from Gov.uk.