How and when QAR data is released
The exact calculation, including what is included or excluded, is in DfE's QAR guidance for the year: use that, not a rule of thumb.
In-year QAR data is produced from the R10 and R12 ILR returns, so you can find and fix data errors before the final R14 collection.
The final ILR collection closes in mid-October each year, and the data cannot be changed after it.
Provisional QAR data follows the final return and, from the 2024 to 2025 reporting period, is released in November.
Final QARs are published in the national achievement rate tables in the first quarter of each year.
Forecasting year-end position
Because QAR is built from learner records, you can model best, expected and worst-case year-end rates from current learner status, for example the effect if some current learners withdraw or complete. These are FEFunding planning estimates, not official QARs.
- Best case: remaining continuers all achieve
- Expected case: continuers achieve at the historic rate
- Worst case: model a withdrawal scenario to see the floor
Indicative summary only. Always confirm against the official source documents before making funding or compliance decisions.
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