Research report available to download from DFE

Research brief available to download from DFE

The NFER was commissioned by the DfES to conduct a study of primary, secondary and special maintained schools in England to assess the use of data in teaching and learning.

Key findings

In all types of schools, it was found that data was perceived to promote teaching and learning by facilitating:

• more effective allocation of staff and resources
• performance management
• monitoring the effectiveness of initiatives and strategies
• evidence-based discussions with the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED), localeducation authorities (LEAs), governors, among others
• challenging expectations of staff, pupils, parents, among others
• transitions and transfers - particularly transitions between key stages within schools
• identification of pupils’ achievements and setting of targets.

Kirkup, C., Sizmur, J., Sturman, L. and Lewis, K. (2005). Schools’ Use of Data in Teaching and Learning (DfES Research Report 671). London: DfES.

Kirkup, C., Sizmur, J., Sturman, L. and Lewis, K. (2005). Schools’ Use of Data in Teaching and Learning (DfES Research Brief 671). London: DfES.