Academic year 2021/22

Higher Level Learners in England

Data guidance

Published

Description

This document describes the data included in the Higher Level Learners in England, 2021/22 statistical release’s underlying data files. 

Coverage

This release refers only to learners in England doing study aims at education levels 4 to 8 (opens in a new tab)

Analysis is presented for English domiciled learners to reflect funding eligibility more closely and allow for consistent comparisons across both HESA and ILR sources.

Most of the data included in this release refers to academic year 2021/22. Time series data for academic years 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19,  2019/20 and 2020/21 has also been included at summary level.

Rounding and suppression

The Code of Practice for Official Statistics (opens in a new tab) requires DfE to take reasonable steps to ensure that its published or disseminated statistics protect confidentiality.

Throughout the publication, all numbers are rounded to the nearest 5 to preserve confidentiality. Percentages are calculated on pre-rounded data but are not published if they are fractions of a small group of people (fewer than 22.5).

Due to rounding, it is possible that the sum of the category percentages may not always total to 100%.

Data files

All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.

Data files

All data files associated with this releases are listed below with guidance on their content. To download any of these files, please visit our data catalogue.

Headline stats summary

Filename
headline_stats_summary.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2021/22
Content

Headline statistics used in the blue summary boxes of the publication.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
achievementsEnglish-domiciled achievements in higher-level learning in 2021/22
enrolmentsTotal English-domiciled enrolments in higher-level learning in 2021/22
entrantsEnglish-domiciled entrants to higher-level learning in 2021/22
female_percentagePercentage of English-domiciled, higher-level entrants that were female in 2021/22
level_6_percentagePercentage of English-domiciled, higher-level entrants to NQF Level 6 in 2021/22
percentage_HEPsPercentage of English-domiciled, higher-level entrants registered in Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in 2021/22

Higher level learners by Type of higher level learning

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_type_of_higher_level_learning.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by type of higher level learning, academic years 2015/16 to 2021/22.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_typeType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” category is a lower bound estimate. There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Mode of study

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_study_mode.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by mode of study, academic years 2015/16 to 2021/22. OfS-recognised HE learners only.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
levelQualification level
mode_of_studyMode of study
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.

Higher level learners by Distance learning

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_distance_learning.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by distance learning flag, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22. OfS-Recognised HE only.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
distance_learnerDistance learner
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Provider category

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_provider_category.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by registered provider type, academic years  2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
provider_categoryProvider category
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Equivalent or lower qualification

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_equivalent_or_lower_qualification.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) status, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
equivalent_or_lower_qualificationEquivalent or lower qualification
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. Caution should be applied when interpreting these statistics due to the high level of unknowns. To allow for comparisons across learning types, the following percentages are based on learners where ELQ status is known.
  3. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Primary funding source and Mode of study

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_primary_funding_source_mode.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by primary funding source of tuition fees and mode of study, academic years  2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
mode_of_studyMode of study
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
primary_funding_sourceFunding
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. Those receiving a Master's Loan (https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan) are not reported as having a student loan as their primary source of tuition fee funding in this data. Unlike for undergraduate loans, money is paid directly to individual learners themselves and providers do not receive the student loans funding directly.
  3. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Age group and mode of study

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_age_group_mode.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by age group, academic years 2018/19 to 2020/21

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
age_groupAge group
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
mode_of_studyMode of study
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Sex

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_sex.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by sex, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
sexSex
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Ethnicity

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_ethnicity.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by ethnicity, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
ethnicityEthnicity
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Disability

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_disability.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by disability, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
disabilityDisability status
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Region

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_region.csv
Geographic levels
National; Regional
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by region of domicile, academic years 2018/19 to  2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Index of multiple deprivation quintile

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_imd_quintile.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile of domicile, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
IMD_quintileIndex of multiple deprivation quintile
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Subject (CAH level 1)

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_cah_subject_first_level_grouping.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by subject area of study (Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 1), academic years 2019/20 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CAH_subject_first_level_groupingCAH subject first level grouping
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Subject (CAH Level 2)

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_cah_subject_second_level_grouping.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by subject area of study (Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 2), academic years 2019/20 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CAH_subject_second_level_groupingCAH subject second level grouping
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Technical route

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_technical_route.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by technical route, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22. OfS-recognised HE and Other Higher Level learners only (i.e. excluding apprenticeships and institutional credit)

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
technical_routeTechnical route
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Qualification aim

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_qualification_aim.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by National Qualification Framework (NQF) level, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
qualification_aimQualification aim
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learners by Level on entry

Filename
higher_level_learner_numbers_by_level_on_entry.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level learners in England by National Qualification Framework (NQF) level on entry, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
level_on_entryLevel of qualification held on entry
number_of_enrolments_totalAll enrolments
number_of_entrantsNumber of entrants
percentage_all_enrolments_by_characteristicPercentage of all enrolments by characteristic
percentage_entrants_by_characteristicPercentage of entrants by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. Caution should be applied when interpreting these statistics due to the high level of unknowns. To allow for comparisons across learning types, the following percentages are based on learners where ELQ status is known.
  3. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Type of higher level learning

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_type_of_higher_level_learning.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by type of higher level learning, academic years 2015/16 to 2021/22.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_typeType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” category is a lower bound estimate. There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Mode of study

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_study_mode.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by mode of study, academic years 2015/16 to 2021/22. OfS-recognised HE learners only.

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
levelQualification level
mode_of_studyMode of study
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.

Higher level learner achievements by Distance learning

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_distance_learning.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2015/16 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by distance learning flag, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
distance_learnerDistance learner
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Provider catgeory

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_provider_category.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by registered provider type, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
provider_categoryProvider category
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Equivalent or lower qualification

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_equivalent_or_lower_qualification.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) status, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
equivalent_or_lower_qualificationEquivalent or lower qualification
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. Caution should be applied when interpreting these statistics due to the high level of unknowns. To allow for comparisons across learning types, the following percentages are based on learners where ELQ status is known.
  3. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Primary funding source and Mode of study

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_primary_funding_source_mode.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by primary funding source of tuition fees and mode of study, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
mode_of_studyMode of study
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
primary_funding_sourceFunding
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. Those receiving a Master's Loan (https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan) are not reported as having a student loan as their primary source of tuition fee funding in this data. Unlike for undergraduate loans, money is paid directly to individual learners themselves and providers do not receive the student loans funding directly.
  3. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Age group and Mode of study

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_age_group_mode.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by age group and mode of study, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
age_groupAge group
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
mode_of_studyMode of study
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Sex

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_sex.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by sex, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
sexGender
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Disability

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_disability.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by disability, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
disabilityDisability status
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Ethnicity

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_ethnicity.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by ethnicity, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
ethnicityEthinicity
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Region

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_region.csv
Geographic levels
National; Regional
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by region of domicile, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Index of multiple deprivation quintile

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_imd_quintile.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) quintile of domicile, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
IMD_quintileIndex of multiple deprivation quintile
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Subject (CAH Level 1)

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_cah_subject_first_level_grouping.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by subject area of study (Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 1), academic years 2019/20 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CAH_subject_first_level_groupingCAH subject first level grouping
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Subject (CAH Level 2)

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_cah_subject_second_level_grouping.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by subject area of study (Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 2), academic years 2019/20 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
CAH_subject_second_level_groupingCAH subject second level grouping
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Technical route

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_technical_route.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2019/20 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by technical route, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22. OfS-recognised HE and Other Higher Level learners only (i.e. excluding apprenticeships and institutional credit)

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
technical_routeTechnical route
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Qualification aim

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_qualification_aim.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by National Qualification Framework (NQF) level, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
qualification_aimQualification aim
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.

Higher level learner achievements by Level on entry

Filename
higher_level_learner_achievements_by_level_on_entry.csv
Geographic levels
National
Time period
2018/19 to 2021/22
Content

English domiciled higher-level achievements in England by National Qualification Framework (NQF) level on entry, academic years 2018/19 to 2021/22

Variable names and descriptions

Variable names and descriptions for this file are provided below:

Variable nameVariable description
he_type_broadType of higher level learning
levelQualification level
level_on_entryLevel of qualification held on entry
number_of_achievements_totalAll achievements
percentage_all_achievements_by_characteristicPercentage of all achievements by characteristic
Footnotes
  1. See the About this release section for explanation of differences from other official statistics on apprenticeships and higher education.
  2. Caution should be applied when interpreting these statistics due to the high level of unknowns. To allow for comparisons across learning types, the following percentages are based on learners where ELQ status is known.
  3. The “Other Higher Level” category is lower bound estimate, combining “Other Higher Level (Unfunded higher level)” and "Other Higher Level (Advanced Learner Loan [ALL] and ESFA funded higher level)". There is likely to be some unfunded-learning in FE providers that is not recorded as it is only mandatory for providers to record information in the ILR for their ESFA-funded learners. There may also be higher level learning in the private sector that is not recorded in administrative data held by government.