Share On
COVID-19 testing
In line with the government’s mass testing programme, students and staff who do not have COVID-19 symptoms can take a COVID-19 rapid test (Lateral Flow Device, or LFD).
Government scientific advisers estimate that around one third of people who have COVID-19 do not display symptoms, but they can still pass on the virus to others.
By offering these LFD tests we can help identify people who have COVID-19 without realising it, and reduce the risk of transmission.
Please remember
LFD testing is only for those who do not display symptoms of COVID-19. If at the time you have symptoms, i.e. a high temperature, a new continuous cough, and/or a loss of, or a change to, your sense of taste or smell, you should book a test through the government testing service.
YOU MUST NOT COME INTO COLLEGE and should follow government self-isolation guidance. Information can be found on the gov.uk website
Testing schedule
These documents contain everything you need to know about LFD testing.
One in three people are carrying the COVID virus without showing any symptoms.
The LFD test enables us to identify these people and help them to isolate, protecting you, your families and your friends.
Testing kits
Home test kits will be available from college receptions during building open hours. Testing kits are also available via community based test centres.
Please remember
Please remember that results from home tests issued by the college must be recorded with both the NHS and the college using the links below or the QR codes supplied with the testing kits:
Tests collected from the college must be carried out at home and not on site. If you require to have a test on site, please follow the instructions above to book.
Links for local council testing centre bookings
Important
Around 1 in 3 people who have coronavirus (COVID-19) have no symptoms. By rolling out rapid testing to schools, colleges and universities at pace we are helping to uncover hidden cases of the virus, break the chains of transmission and stopping outbreaks before they get a chance to develop.
Robust evaluations from PHE and the University of Oxford show that LFD tests are accurate, reliable and successfully identify those with coronavirus (COVID-19) who could pass on the virus without realising. The tests have extremely low rates of false positives. LFD tests taken on test sites, such as on school and college grounds, do not need a confirmatory PCR test. This is because these tests are done in a controlled environment and trained staff read the results.
If a pupil or student received a supervised school-based LFD test, as part of the rapid asymptomatic testing programme, and it was positive then they and other members of their household must self-isolate. PCR testing is not advised if you have received a positive result from an LFD test at a school or college test site. If a parent was to do this and it returned a negative result, the policy remains that the pupil or student, their close contacts, and other members of their household must still self-isolate.
All positive results from rapid tests undertaken at home do need to be confirmed with a standard PCR test. This is because these tests are not conducted in a controlled environment and will not have trained staff on hand. Following positive LFD test at home, a confirmatory PCR test should be booked online or by calling 119. Whilst awaiting the PCR result, the pupil or student and their close contacts should self-isolate. If the PCR test is negative, it overrides the self-test LFD test (at home only) and a child can return to college.
Please note
We will be providing further guidance for the new academic year once we have received government guidance.
Privacy notice
View the privacy notice which explains how your data will be used.
Additional information
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact testingcentre@southessex.ac.uk
What happens if the result is positive?
If the test is positive the person will be informed and instructed to follow government guidance on self-isolation.
What happens if the result is negative?
If the test is negative the person will be able to carry on as normal.
