Data collection
HESES training materials
We will soon be adding videos to this list on using the new OfS Provider Portal for HESES returns and the Data Verification of HESES returns.
Each year we produce training materials to support providers that will be completing the Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey (HESES).
HESES25 webinar
We ran a webinar covering changes for this year's return for those with previous HESES experience:
Watch the HESES25 webinar recording
Video recordings
1. Introduction to HESES
This video provides a brief introduction to the Higher Education Students Early Statistics (HESES) survey from the Office for Students. It explains who is required to complete it and where to find published guidance.
2. The HESES population
This video discusses who should be included in the HESES return, the definition of ‘recognised higher education for OfS funding purposes’ and we’ll touch on the distinction between validated and subcontractual provision. We also discuss apprenticeship students.
3. Counting years of engagement
In this video we look at the definitions of Engagements and Years of Engagement (YoE), the counting of YoE, how to determine level of study and ‘New Entrants’.
4. Tour of the HESES workbook
In this video, we examine the structure of the HESES workbook. This set us up to explore the definitions that you will need to understand and use when completing the workbook.
5. Mode of study
In this video, we look at the definitions of the modes of study used by HESES: full-time, sandwich year out and part-time. We also discuss how this relates to apprenticeship students.
6. Subject Grouping and price groups
In this video, we look at Subject Groupings and how they are determined using either ‘specific cases’ or HECoS codes and the CAH hierarchy. We also see how these relate to the price groups that are used in the calculation of high-cost subject funding.
7. Fundability
In this video, we look at determining and recording fundability status in the HESES workbook. In particular, we look at Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQ) and the fundability of subcontracted provision.
8. The ‘Health’ table
In this video, we look at Table 4 in the HESES workbook, the ‘Health’ or ‘NMAH’ table. This collects data on certain pre-registration courses in nursing, midwifery and allied health professions.
9. Multiplication factors
This video looks at the use of multiplication factors to translate years of engagement reported in HESES into the values that are used in our funding calculations. We also look at the circumstances in which providers can make representations for the use of different factors and the method and timeline for doing so.
30 October 2025 - We have added training videos for HESES25.
14 August 2025 - Link to register for this year's webinar and details of additional training videos that will be published in September 2025.
21 August 2024 - Published details of 2024 webinars and archived old videos.
13 November 2023 - Extensions announced for the HESES submission and sign-off deadlines for certain providers.
11 September 2023 - Update to link to webinars and presentations for HESES23.
24 October 2022 - Video links updated
29 October 2021 - Video links updated
16 October 2020 - Materials from the HESES20 workbook exercises sessions added
09 October 2020 - HESES guidance video playlist published
08 October 2020 - Link to recording and slides for HESES20 training webinar session four
06 October 2020 - Link to recording and slides for HESES20 training webinar session three
01 October 2020 - Link to recording and slides for HESES20 training webinar session two
29 September 2020 - Link to recording and slides for HESES20 training webinar session one
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