New ADR Scotland dataset could help us understand outcomes for learners

This first version of Scottish LEO data provides data on earnings, employment and benefits linked to the education records of students attending Scottish universities.

Education outcomes will be available for tax years 2005/06 to 2021/22 on release, with more years of data to be included in future.

This stand-alone, non-linkable dataset is available for research through the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Researchers can apply for access through the Secure Research Service (SRS).

While some similarities are to be found, researchers should be aware that LEO for Scottish Universities is a distinct dataset that is not related to the LEO data for England, which is also available through ONS. 

The scope for potential research use is broad, with the dataset providing opportunities to explore questions that could help to improve our public services, such as: 

• Are some learners more likely than others to move into an industry related to their education?  
• Do outcomes vary between those who gain a PHD versus those who graduate with a Bachelor or Honours degree?
• How many learners take conversion degrees such as teaching? 

Answering these questions could help identify areas where more support is needed, or give insights into how gaps in the workforce can be filled.
 
Accredited researchers can find this LEO dataset on the SRS metadata catalogue.

Interested in other ADR Scotland datasets? You can look through the datasets we have available through Scotland’s National Safe Haven through the ADR Scotland data catalogue.