By taking part in regular rapid testing you are helping to make yourself and others safe. 

Up to one in three people who have Covid-19 can spread the virus without knowing. This is because they have no symptoms. To reduce the spread of the virus, we need to identify those individuals.

Accessing your self-testing kit

Covid-19 self-testing kits are now available in your faculty. You will be able to collect yours from your personal tutor or from your faculty coordinator as advised.  You will be given a test pack containing 3 or 7 tests in a box with a separate leaflet on how to take the test and report the results.

Who can use home testing?

You can participate in home testing so long as you have not had a positive PCR test result within the last 90 days. This is because, in some cases, having recovered recently from the virus can give a false positive result. Please note that the lateral flow home testing kits given to you by College are for your use only. They are also only for asymptomatic screening. If you develop symptoms you must follow government guidance and book a PCR test. 

How often should I take a test?

You should take the test two times every week, 3-4 days apart. We would recommend that you test yourself on Sunday evening and then again on Wednesday evening.

You should continue with the testing during the holiday periods

Self-testing guidance

To help you settle into your regular self-testing routine we have created the following step-by-step college guide.

Supervision of self-testing

Students aged 18 and over should do the test themselves and report the result, with help if they need it. Students aged 16-17 should do the test themselves with adult supervision. The adult may help you to take the test if you need support.

Self-testing guidance

There are also detailed instructions included with your self-testing kit, and further, comprehensive resources available on the gov.uk website.

You can also watch this useful how to video.

Please remember – A negative result does not guarantee that you are not carrying the virus. So, you should continue to follow social distancing, and other measures to reduce transmission such as wearing a face mask and regularly washing your hands and observing social distancing.

Reporting your results

Once you have completed your test please register your results via your eILP or this link, and with the NHS. You should report your test outcome regardless of the result (positive, negative, or void).

You can register results with the NHS by:

• Visiting www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result
• Phoning 119 (lines are open every day, 7am to 11pm and calls are free from mobiles and landlines).

Positive test results

If your self-test kit gives you a positive result you, your household and any support bubbles you are part of should self-isolate immediately in line with NHS Test and Trace guidance for 10 days. Remember that you need to report your result as per the above guidance. You should then order a confirmatory PCR test which you can book here. Please note that if your PCR test is positive you do not need to self-test for 90 days from the date you became positive.

Someone in my household/support bubble has tested positive using their self-test kit, what do I need to do?

You need to notify your personal tutor and self-isolate (following government guidance) until they have received their PCR test result. If their PCR test is negative you may return to college. If it is positive you will need to continue self-isolating. If you become symptomatic yourself you should book a PCR test via the Government website.

What to do if you get a void result

If the result of the test is void, you should take another one. Revisit the guidance booklet and other resources detailed above to check that you are doing the test correctly. Do not reuse anything from the first kit. If the next test is also void, you should request a PCR test. You can book a PCR test here. Remember that you need to report your result as per the above guidance.

I have had the vaccine, should I still self-test?

Yes. It is not yet known whether the vaccine prevents people transmitting the virus. The vaccine does not interfere with lateral flow or PCR tests.

Giving consent and your personal information  

Students do not give written consent to take part in the self-testing programme. Please read the Privacy Notice here for information on how your personal details and test results are shared.  

Reporting problems or issues with testing

If there is an issue with the test kit, for example something is missing, please report it by calling 119 and please also advise your Personal Tutor. If an accident or injury happens whilst using the test kit, please seek medical care by calling 111 (or 999 if it is an emergency). Please also report what happened using the website here.

I do not want to participate

If you decline to participate you can still attend college if you are not symptomatic. Please follow the usual national guidelines on self-isolation and get tested if you show any symptoms.