Data linkage is one of the key features of Understanding Society, allowing researchers to explore features of life in the UK in greater depth. The Study has linkage to administrative datasets in key policy areas, as well as other external data sources. Data can only be linked if Understanding Society participants give their informed consent.
English National Pupil Database linkage
A new dataset is now available to researchers, with linkage between Understanding Society and the English National Pupil Database (NPD).
Education administrative records are collected seperately in each of the four countries of the UK. The English NPD combines the examination results of pupils with information on pupil and school characteristics and is amalgamation of a number of different datasets, including Key Stage attainment data and Schools Census data. Education linkage with Scotland and Wales is underway and will be released seperately.
Access the data
The linked data is available from the UK Data Service. Due to the sensitive nature of the data it is classified as Secure Access or Controlled data and can only be accessed through the UK Data Service Secure Lab. Access is restricted to researchers registered at a UK institution and researchers must have attended a Safe Researcher training course.
To help researchers make the best use of the dataset, you can find dataset variables and a User Guide on our website.
EducationYoung people
