This page was updated on 15 July 2021
Healthcare & Isolation
I feel unwell, and think I may have Coronavirus
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Do not attend the Academy. Stay at home and follow NHS guidance in regards to your health: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Book a test online or call 119 to arrange one. If you are worried or have any questions, visit the NHS 111 website.
Current students must let the Academy know if they have tested positive for Covid-19 by emailing shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk or calling 0207 407 6969 as soon as possible.
If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
Contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk for more information.
I have, or I live with someone who has, tested positive for coronavirus
The NHS advises that if you – or someone that you live with – tests positive for coronavirus, you should stay at home. Refer to NHS guidance to find out what to do.
Current students must let the Academy know if they have tested positive for Covid-19 by emailing shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk or calling 0207 407 6969 as soon as possible. This will help us to identify individuals that may also need to self-isolate and take steps to protect the Academy’s staff, students and tutors.
The NHS advises that you use the NHS test and trace service to share this information promptly with the people you’ve recently been in contact with as they may need to self-isolate too.
If you have had close contact with someone who has coronavirus, the NHS advises that you must self-isolate if their Test and Trace service advises you to do so.
How long should I self-isolate for?
If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
Contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk for more information.
I have recently come into contact with someone that has, or has symptoms of, coronavirus
If you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you must self-isolate if the NHS Test and Trace services advises you to do so.
Follow NHS self-isolation guidance.
If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
- I feel unwell, and think I may have Coronavirus
If you have any of the main symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), get a test as soon as possible. Do not attend the Academy. If you test positive for Coronavirus you should stay at home and follow NHS guidance in regards to your health:
What are the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Current students must let the Academy know if they have tested positive for Covid-19 by emailing shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk or calling 0207 407 6969 as soon as possible.
If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
Contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk for more information.
- I have, or I live with someone who has, tested positive for coronavirus
If you test positive for Covid-19 you should follow the guidance in question 1.
If someone that you live with tests positive for coronavirus, you may have to self-isolate. Refer to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/ to find out what to do.
Current students must let the Academy know if they have tested positive for Covid-19 by emailing shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk or calling 0207 407 6969 as soon as possible.
The NHS advises that you use the NHS test and trace service to share this information promptly with the people you’ve recently been in contact with as they may need to self-isolate too. If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
- I have recently come into contact with someone that has, or has symptoms of, coronavirus
If you have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus, you need to self-isolate if the NHS Test and Trace services advise you to do so.
In this circumstance, you should follow NHS guidance on self-isolation: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
- I am, or I live with somebody that is shielding
If you’re at higher risk from coronavirus, you were advised to take extra steps to protect yourself until 1 August 2020. This was called shielding.
In England, you’re no longer advised to shield. But there are still things you can do to protect yourself and others. You can also still get some support.
Who is at higher risk of coronavirus?
Guidance on shielding and protecting extremely vulnerable people.
Contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk for more information.
Getting to and from class
I’m worried about getting to and from the Academy
Transport for London (TfL) are working to carefully, safely and sustainably reopen London. We advise that you follow the latest advice in regards to using public transport.
A number of new TfL initiatives, as part of their Streetspace for London scheme, will introduce a wide range of improvements across Southwark, including the widening of footpaths and introducing more cycle lanes.
The Academy is also working with its local bid group, Better Bankside, to petition Southwark council for the pedestrianisation of Mermaid Court. This would enable us to provide external bicycle racks for those attending our classes.
If you must travel by bus, train or tube, consider changing your route to avoid busy interchanges, wear a face covering and keep two metres apart from others where possible. If you can, please walk or cycle for all or part of your journey. Do not travel if you have symptoms of the virus.
I plan to cycle. Will I be able to store my bike at the Academy?
On-site storage is something we are currently investigating, and we will keep you updated about.
Currently, there is available secure bicycle storage nearby at a Better Bankside facility on North Hopton Street SE1 9JH. Click here to find out more.
- I’m worried about getting to and from the Academy
Transport for London (TfL) is working to carefully, safely and sustainably reopen London. We advise that you follow the latest advice in regards to using public transport.
A number of new TfL initiatives, as part of their Streetspace for London scheme, will introduce a wide range of improvements across Southwark, including the widening of footpaths and introducing more cycle lanes.
As part of that scheme, the Academy is delighted to announce the closure to traffic of Mermaid Court. This enables better social distancing and also, in due course, the opportunity for us to improve the quality of our outdoor space by providing, amongst other things, seating, bicycle storage and more lighting.
- I plan to cycle. Will I be able to store my bike at the Academy?
On-site storage is something we are currently investigating, and we will keep you updated about it.
Currently, there is available secure bicycle storage nearby at a Better Bankside facility on North Hopton Street SE1 9JH. Click here to find out more.
- I need more information. Who can I contact? info@artacademy.org.uk
Health & Safety, Facilities
What measures have the Academy put in place to ensure the safety of its students?
At the Academy, your health and wellbeing are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everyone using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from within our community and beyond to make sure the Academy remains a Covid-safe space.
In line with government guidance, the Academy expects and recommends that everyone within its community wear a face covering at all times on site (unless medically exempt). During classes, models will also be exempt.
While social distancing may no longer be a legal requirement, students and tutors are encouraged to make full use of the space available in our spacious and well-ventilated studios. Further, increased hygiene and cleaning measures remain in place, as well as, signage and guidance, QR codes and temperature checks upon arrival.
Visit our Keeping the Academy page to find out more.
Will I be required to wear a face covering and/or PPE while at the Academy?
Face coverings – yes. In line with government guidance, the Academy expects and recommends that everyone within its community wear a face covering at all times on site (unless medically exempt). During classes, models will also be exempt.
Currently, we do not require individuals to wear any additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) beyond what would usually be required for a class.
What happens if I become unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 while attending a course at the Academy?
If an individual develops symptoms of COVID-19 while at the Academy, then that person MUST go home and be advised to follow NHS guidance in regards to their health: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/
If a student develops a continuous cough while on-site, for their own comfort, as well as the peace of mind of everyone else in the setting, the individual who is coughing should leave the room until they have had a chance to recover. If the individual does not leave the setting, they may be asked to. The tutor will ask the individual two questions to determine whether they can return to the setting:
1- Is this a new or continuous cough (coughing a lot for more than 1 hour; or, 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours)?
2- Do you have any other symptoms of Covid-19 (high temperature – over 38 degrees using a thermometer; or a complete loss or change of smell or taste)?
If the answer is YES to ONE or BOTH of these questions, then the individual MUST go home, and follow NHS guidance.
If the answer is NO TO BOTH OF THESE QUESTIONS, the individual can return to the setting, however, they should let you know their tutor know if their symptoms persist and/or worsen.
Any direct personal care that an individual requires until they can return home will be administered by an Academy tutor and/or Academy staff member.
What happens if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 at the Academy?
If an individual (student, tutor, or staff member) becomes unwell with symptoms of Covid-19 while at the Academy, then that person MUST go home and be advised to follow NHS guidance. The NHS advises that the individual book a test as soon as possible.
When an individual test is positive, they should follow the guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and use the NHS test and trace service to share this information with the people they’ve recently been in contact with.
The Academy is no longer responsible for contact tracing. Any individual who needs to self-isolate as a result of being in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 will be contacted by the NHS track and trace team.
If you are not able to attend an upcoming Art Academy London course due to Covid-19, then we would kindly invite you to refer to our cancellation policy.
Contact shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk for more information.
What time should I arrive for my class?
Students should arrive no more than 10 minutes before their class is due to start and proceed straight to their studio.
Will I be able to use the barn and kitchen?
Yes. Though please note kettles are no longer provided. Students will be able to use the coffee machine, where free hot water and paid-for hot drinks are available. Mugs are not available for use, and students are strongly encouraged to bring their own reusable mugs if they wish to use the coffee machine.
Booking queries
I need to cancel my booking due to coronavirus
Kindly refer to our terms and conditions.
If you need to cancel your booking you can do so by contacting our team at shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk.
- I need to cancel my booking due to coronavirus
Kindly refer to our terms and conditions.
If you need to cancel your booking you can do so by contacting our team at shortcourses@artacademy.org.uk
- I need more information. Who can I contact?
Support services
What mental health, support and other wellbeing support services are available to me?
If you’re feeling distressed and need urgent support:
- Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment
- If your GP surgery isn’t open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 for help accessing the right services
- You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night
The NHS Every Mind Matters campaign is encouraging us all to look after our mental health during the current situation.
The charity Sudden has produced COVID-19 specific bereavement advice.
Cruse is a national charity supporting those facing bereavement. They have put together a range of advice, information and resources to help those affected during the current situation.
Visit the Cruse website on how to deal with bereavement and grief during the coronavirus outbreak.
- What mental health, support and other wellbeing support services are available to me?
If you’re feeling distressed and need urgent support:
- Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment
- If your GP surgery isn’t open, call the free NHS out-of-hours medical line on 111 for help accessing the right services
- You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night
The NHS Every Mind Matters campaign is encouraging us all to look after our mental health during the current situation.
The charity Sudden has produced COVID-19 specific bereavement advice.
Cruse is a national charity supporting those facing bereavement. They have put together a range of advice, information and resources to help those affected during the current situation.
Visit the Cruse website on how to deal with bereavement and grief during the coronavirus outbreak.
What the Academy is doing to protect its summer school students
What measures are the Academy putting to ensure the safety of its students?
At the Academy, your health and wellbeing are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everybody using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from our community to make sure the Academy remains a safe space.
We are initiating a programme of safety measures as our staff, students, tutors and models return to the Academy over the coming weeks and months, which will be subject to constant review and undoubtedly grow and evolve as legislation changes. It will include UK-standard social distancing measures, increased frequency of onsite cleaning, promoting the use of face coverings, signage and guidance, and the provision of handwashing and hand sanitising facilities.
Visit our Keeping the Academy Safe page to find out more.
What the Academy is doing to protect its summer school students
- What measures are the Academy putting to ensure the safety of its students?
At the Academy, your health and wellbeing are paramount. Our priority at all times is to ensure that our site is as safe as possible for everybody using it.
We are following Government regulations and working with representatives from our community to make sure the Academy remains a safe space.
We are initiating a programme of safety measures as our staff, students, tutors and models return to the Academy over the coming weeks and months, which will be subject to constant review and undoubtedly grow and evolve as legislation changes. It will include UK-standard social distancing measures, increased frequency of onsite cleaning, promoting the use of face coverings, signage and guidance, and the provision of handwashing and hand sanitising facilities.
Visit our Keeping the Academy Safe page to find out more.