Resources · Education data

Use education data with care

Read guidance on interpreting education data and protecting learner information.

Check a number before you share it

Suppose 18 of 24 learners have a result. Report the 18 assessed and the six missing separately. Check whether absence, late entry or an incomplete upload explains the gap. Give the class and period, and use an aggregate when the audience has no need for identifiable learner details.

Ask a clear question of the records

Begin with the decision a teacher, leader or programme team needs to make. Check the period, learner group and completeness of the relevant records. A class result, an attendance pattern and a programme participation count describe different things; interpret each in its own context before combining them in a report.

Protect context when sharing a finding

Share only the information needed by the audience and follow the school’s rules for learner records. Explain missing data and limits instead of presenting an incomplete picture as a final conclusion. Explore insights and reports, data and methods, and governance guidance to connect reporting practice with the responsibilities around education information.