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Requirements for data returns

This page is intended to provide a summary overview and reminder of upcoming deadlines. More detailed information and requirements for data returns can be found in the letters that we send to providers:

Deadlines which vary by provider

DeadlineSubmissionApproved providersApproved (fee cap) providers
Within five months and two weeks of a provider’s financial year end

Annual Financial Return

Registered providers (excluding further education colleges and sixth form colleges) need to submit financial data consistent with their latest audited financial statements, forecast financial and student number data, and other relevant contextual information, including signed, audited financial statements and the management letter from its external auditor. The data is used to monitor the financial viability and sustainability of providers. 

Find out more about the Annual Financial Return

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Aligned with ESFA deadline

Individual Learner Record (ILR) data return

Registered further education and sixth form colleges need to submit details of individual students and the courses they are studying. The data underpins our regulatory approach, including metrics used to monitor condition B3 (student outcomes).

Find out more about the ILR data returnExternal link (Opens in a new tab or window)

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2024-25 deadlines

DeadlineSubmissionApproved providersApproved (fee cap) providers
13 December

Graduate Outcomes survey (2023-24) – Cohort A

Providers will need to engage with the Graduate Outcomes survey, including submitting and approving contact details for students who have completed their studies, who will then be surveyed.

For further education and sixth form colleges, initial contact details will be sourced from the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) but will still need checking.

The Graduate Outcomes survey is used to understand student progression and outcomes, including to inform student choice.

See further information on the HESA website

External link (Opens in a new tab or window)

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For further education and sixth form colleges only

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For further education and sixth form colleges only

31 January

Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey 2024-25 (HESES24)

Providers will need to submit data on the number of higher education students studying in the 2024-25 academic year.

The data is used to inform funding allocations.

See guidance on submission requirements

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31 January

TRAC 2023-24

Providers will need to submit a Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) return that has been reviewed and approved as set out in TRAC guidance.

The data is used to understand the application of costs across activity, including cross subsidies in higher education. It is also used by UKRI and other public funders for funding purposes.

See the TRAC guidance

External link (Opens in a new tab or window)

 

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Only providers that were required to submit a TRAC return for 2022-23

20 February

Consultation on OfS strategy for 2025 to 2030

Our new strategy for 2025-30 sets out a sharper purpose for the regulator: it will ensure that students from all backgrounds benefit from high quality higher education, delivered by a diverse, sustainable sector that continues to improve.

See the consultation

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16 April

Annual capital monitoring 2024-25 (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025): Annual report sign-off

This is used to provide assurance that capital funding has been used in line with OfS terms and conditions of funding, and to evidence the impact of capital grants at individual providers.

Further information about annual reporting will be published in spring 2025. The format will be similar to previous years.

If the monitoring information is not submitted by the deadline, the OfS will seek to reclaim the capital funding provided during the year.

 

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All providers in receipt of OfS competitive capital funding in financial year 2024-25.

All providers in receipt of OfS formula capital allocation in financial year 2024-25.

24 June

Provider profile (2024-25)

A provider will need to submit information about the location of its campuses and its internal organisation. This data allows the OfS and others to understand the geographic distribution of higher education.

See further information

External link (Opens in a new tab or window)

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(excluding further education and sixth form colleges)

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(excluding further education and sixth form colleges)

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