HESA opened a consultation in March 2026 to seek views from providers on the proposed approach to collecting FTE data for in-year data collections.
This consultation is the third in a series of consultations with the sector to support the transition from an annual retrospective student data collection to a cumulative in-year student data collection model. This consultation ran in parallel with the cost centre consultation. These consultations are all working towards an announcement of the requirements for the 2028/29 Student in-year data specification by 31 July 2026.
This consultation ran from 16 March 2026 to 16 April 2026.
Our response
IHE supports the proposal for collecting FTE data in-year and recognises the benefits of establishing a consistent UK‑wide approach. However, we raise concerns that requiring separate predicted and actual FTE fields creates unnecessary duplication, risk of error, and added burden - particularly for providers with flexible or non‑traditional delivery models.
We encourage HESA to refine the model to reduce duplication, build in flexibility to validation, provide early and stable guidance, and include worked examples that reflect diverse delivery patterns.
IHE will continue to work closely with members and with HESA to ensure that the design and implementation of the in‑year collection model is workable, proportionate, and reflective of the diversity of delivery models across IHE's membership.
Read our full response using the download link below.