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School Statistics

Answer

This annual volume brings together a range of data from various sources. A potential problem with one of the sources was found in January 2005 and since then analysis has been carried out to identify the underlying cause and to explore potential solutions. This analysis is continuing and this interim version of the volume was released in January so as not to hold up the release of the majority of the tables, which are unaffected. As a national statistics publication, the content and the timing of the release are determined by the Department's head of profession for statistics and are not influenced by Ministers.The problem relates to the way that members of the leadership group are identified.Further work is required, but it is now clear that a number of head teachers have been mis-recorded as either deputy or assistant heads.The information in question is based on service details from the Teachers Pension Scheme. This is maintained primarily for pension administration purposes but is also used for statistical purposes. The grade issue does not affect pension administration.The on-going analysis shows that the problem appears to relate to the introduction of the leadership pay spine in September 2000. Consequently, some tables within previous editions of the volume are affected. A note explaining how each table is affected has been added as an annex to the explanatory notes on the Research and Statistics Gateway¹. Statistical first releases on the school workforce don't use data from the pension scheme and are not affected in any way.Further analysis is being carried out during February with a view to finalising the volume in March. If possible, updated or amended tables will be included. If the further work indicates that the problem is likely to take longer to resolve, any possible additions or amendments will be released on the Research and Statistics Gateway, alongside the volume, as soon as possible."¹ The Research and Statistics Gateway is the web portal that provides access to all DfES statistics, it can be found at the following address:""http://www.dfes.gov.uk/rsgateway/"

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

47228; 443 c1233-4W;443 c1233-4W

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Statistics Schools

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk