Frequently asked questions

We agree this with you before any analysis begins. In most cases, an Excel or CSV export containing the relevant assessment results, subjects and agreed pupil-group flags is sufficient. Please do not send pupil names, dates of birth, UPNs, email addresses or other direct identifiers through the website enquiry form.

No. I do not need direct access to your MIS. The service is designed to work from an agreed data export or spreadsheet, so your school remains in control of the information it shares.

Only the data needed for the agreed analysis should be shared. The scope and format are agreed before work begins, with anonymised or suitably pseudonymised data used wherever possible. Data is used only for the commissioned analysis and handled in line with the agreed data-handling arrangements.

Yes. Where suitable group flags are included, the analysis can compare outcomes for groups such as Pupil Premium, SEND and HPA, as well as other groups agreed with the school. The focus is not simply on reporting gaps, but on identifying the pupils, subjects and patterns contributing to them.

This depends on the package and agreed scope. Outputs can include headline attainment measures, subject and pupil-group comparisons, identified strengths and concerns, priority areas, leadership questions and practical recommended next steps. Larger reviews include an SLT-ready executive summary, and outputs can also be shaped for governor reporting where agreed.

Turnaround is agreed before work begins and depends on the size and complexity of the dataset and the questions you want answered. You will know the expected timescale before commissioning the work.

These are starting prices for the three core levels of analysis. The final price depends on the size and complexity of the dataset, the number of subjects or year groups involved and any additional analysis requested. The scope, price and deliverables are agreed with you before work begins, so there are no unexpected charges.

Yes. The Data Reality Check is specifically designed for a focused review of one subject or department. A larger year-group or strategic review is available when you need a broader picture.

Yes, where the framework, thresholds or grade boundaries are provided and can be applied consistently to the dataset. We agree the measures to be used before the analysis begins so that the findings reflect your school’s assessment context.

Both. The analysis identifies what the data is showing, the questions leaders may need to investigate and practical priorities for follow-up. Recommendations are there to support professional judgement, not replace it. Data should start a conversation, not end one.

Yes. The Strategic Data Review is designed to provide a concise leadership-ready picture of performance, gaps, priorities and recommended next steps. Governor-focused reporting can also be agreed as additional work.

Yes. Bespoke Excel dashboards, focused pupil-group analysis, governor reporting and repeat termly analysis can be scoped separately. This can be useful when schools want to track whether identified gaps and priorities are improving over time.

I will contact you to clarify what you want to understand, the data available and the most appropriate level of analysis. We then agree the scope, price, data-sharing approach, deliverables and timescale before any work begins.