Data checking tool

HESES23 comparison

The HESES23 comparison compares 2022-23 Student data with the provider’s HESES22 data returned to the OfS at the start of the 2023-24 academic year. The HESES23 comparison workbook will be revised later in the year to include a comparison between the provider’s latest 2024-25 OfS teaching grant and grant modelled using the 2023-24 Student data.

The algorithms used to generate the HESES23 comparison output are intended to be those used for the post-collection outputs next spring. However, we may make changes where we believe these will improve our algorithms.

2023-24 Student characteristics data summary

The 2023-24 Student characteristics data summary shows the number of students by different types of characteristics, including personal characteristics and characteristics of their course. The algorithms used to generate the data summary are indicative of those the OfS intends to use to categorise students using the Student data model for OfS regulatory approaches.

The OfS expects to use characteristics derived from the new Student data model as the basis for ‘split indicators’ which inform an understanding of provider performance on student outcomes and experiences for a variety of regulatory purposes. These include regulating access and participation, regulating student outcomes through registration condition B3 and the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

2023-24 Student numbers data summary

The student numbers data summary provides the full-time equivalent student numbers by level of study and relevance to TEF. It is formatted to mirror the output we will supply to providers post-collection which will be used for various regulatory purposes, including setting registration fees, assessing applications for degree awarding powers and assessing applications for university title and university college title. Some minor changes are expected to the post-collection output to include processes such as deduplication.

2023-24 Student Loans Company (SLC) comparison

The SLC comparison compares 2023-24 Student data with data held by the Student Loans Company for the provider. It allows providers to establish whether there are inconsistencies between the two, with regard to students receiving student support.

The outputs generated from a provider’s SLC data should be kept in confidence. In viewing this output, through the HDP, a provider accepts this commitment of confidentiality.

2023-24 Pearson comparison

The Pearson comparison compares 2023-24 Student data with data held by Pearson for the provider. It allows providers to establish whether there are inconsistencies between the two, with regard to students being awarded Pearson qualifications.

The outputs generated from a provider’s Pearson data should be kept in confidence. In viewing this output, through the HDP, a provider accepts this commitment of confidentiality.

2023-24 Transparency attainment data summary

The Transparency attainment data summary shows the number of UK-domiciled undergraduate qualifiers in the 2023-24 Student data by qualification classification achieved, mode of study, ethnicity, gender, and English Index of Multiple Deprivation 2019. It is formatted to mirror the output we will supply to providers post-collection to publish under condition F1 of the regulatory framework, with some minor changes expected to the post-collection output to include processes such as deduplication and year on year linking. The file from the data checking tool must not be published and must only be used to help providers verify and correct their data.

AFR24 higher education student FTEs

The Annual Financial Return 2024 (AFR24) higher education student FTEs data summary is intended to help providers understand in detail how Student data can be used to populate the FTEs in the AFR24. The output contains Year 1 and Year 2 FTEs, derived from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Student data. This output is only available to providers whose financial year end aligns with the academic year used in the Student record, i.e. 31 July 2024.

Technical guidance containing the algorithms used to produce outputs, and information on how to rebuild outputs using the individualised data will be added prior to or with the release of each output. Please contact [email protected] with any queries.

• 2023-24 Student DCT HESES23 comparison technical document
• 2023-24 Student DCT HESES23 rebuild instructions
• 2023-24 DCT Student numbers technical document and rebuild instructions
• 2023-24 Student DCT Student characteristics technical document and rebuild instructions
• 2023-24 Student DCT Student Loans Company comparison
• 2023-24 Student DCT Pearson comparison technical document and rebuild instructions
• 2023-24 Transparency attainment data summary technical document and rebuild instructions
• AFR24 DCT technical document

How long does it take to process the file(s)?

Our systems will begin to process files as soon as they are transferred to us via the HDP. There will be a short waiting period before the output file is made available to providers. During particularly busy periods, this waiting time may increase.

How do I view the output file?

You can access the data checking tool output file by submitting data to the HDP. Once processing is complete, your file can be downloaded from the ‘Iris’ report, under the section ‘Additional Collection Reports’.

My output file is missing, incomplete or incorrect. Who should I contact?

If there are any issues with the output file, please email [email protected].

How will the data I supply to create the outputs be used by the OfS?

The data checking tool is a tool for providers. OfS staff will access data submitted to, or derived by, the data checking tool in the following circumstances:

• to ask data verification questions and consider providers’ responses to them
• to assist providers with queries about their outputs and data
• to test the functionality of forthcoming outputs and the application of overrides
• to produce early modelling
• to verify future data returns
• where a provider explicitly gives permission.

We do not intend to use data processed by the data checking tool to make decisions about individual providers, but may use responses to data verification questions in our assessments of data quality. We can provide further information on how we handle personal data on request.

Will data amendments for 2022-23 and earlier years be incorporated in these outputs?

Please see the technical documents for each individual output for more information on whether they include amendments for 2022-23 and earlier years.

I have feedback about the algorithms used in the data checking tool outputs

We would be grateful for feedback on the algorithms used in the data checking tool, in particular where there has been a change from previous years. The algorithms used for each output will be made available on the OfS website once released. Feedback for OfS outputs should be emailed to [email protected].

I have other questions not answered here

For any further information or guidance please email [email protected].

Changes or corrections since the release of the outputs and documentation

• 14 October 2024: The 2023-24 Student DCT HESES23 comparison technical document was updated. The HESSCSEXCL4 definition was updated to account for null values of RPSTULOAD.
• 21 October 2024: The 2023-24 Student DCT HESES23 comparison technical document was updated. The HESUGPYR definition was updated to account for UG level split.