Machingura, TinotendaMuyavu, Ashleigh Tatenda2025-07-022025-07-022025-03Machingura, T. and Muyavu, A.T. (2025), "Developing a COVID-19 impact assessment model for the education sector", Quality Education for All, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 245-264. https://doi.org/10.1108/QEA-08-2024-0075.2976-931010.1108/QEA-08-2024-0075http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103106PURPOSE : This study aims to develop an impact assessment model that can be used by educational institutions to investigate the effect of Covid-19 on the performance of students and educators. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A systematic literature review was used to identify the models used to assess the impact of Covid-19 in the education sector. Most of these models used structural equation modelling (SEM), and hence, the developed conceptual model was based on SEM. The model was validated through a pilot study conducted in Zimbabwe’s education system. Questionnaires were sent to different educational institutions, and 69 responses were obtained, and they were analysed utilising SMART PLS 4. FINDINGS : The models in the literature are all different and hence create confusion in finding the best model to use. The authors developed a standard measurement model with lockdown, curfew, online learning and performance latent variables. The pilot study results indicated that curfew, lockdown and online learning affect performance. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS : The study focused on developing a measurement model for the education sector; however, this model cannot be used for other industries, such as manufacturing and agriculture, without further research. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The models in the literature concentrated more on online learning. This study included lockdown and curfew, as they cannot be left out when examining the effects of Covid-19. This allows educational institutions to fully examine the impacts of Covid-19 on the performance of students and educators.en© 2025, Tinotenda Machingura and Ashleigh Tatenda Muyavu. This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence.COVID-19 pandemicCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Conceptual modelEducation systemOnline learningLockdown curfewStructural equation modelling (SEM)Article