Australian Longitudinal Learning Database

The ABS is investigating the development of an Australian Longitudinal Learning Database (ALLD). This is envisaged as a permanent researchable database of education data comprising enrolment, performance, and socio-demographic information drawn from a wide variety of sources. By focusing on students rather than institutions, the proposed ALLD will provide a comprehensive picture of education outcomes, pathways and transitions of students across education sectors. An integrated administration database will make possible new types of analysis which have the potential to improve education services and policy formation.

We presented a Business Case to implement this project titled Improving Student Outcomes: Transforming Education Data in Australia to the Strategic Cross-sectoral Data Committee in March 2012. The business case proposes a five stage implementation strategy, where the first two stages concern the provision of student enrolment unit-record level information which is fundamental to enabling the integration of education data in Australia; and the remaining three stages relate to other data sources to inform education pathways and outcomes.

We are continuing to undertake feasibility studies to test the integration components of the ALLD concept. These include feasibility testing of linkage between school enrolments and the Census, the transition of the National Schools Statistics Collection to a student enrolment unit-record collection, and pilot testing of linkage between early childhood education data and schools data. We will continue to consult with relevant parties to investigate options for accelerating the integration of education and training data into the staged development process.

In April 2011, a concept paper was released on the National Statistical Service website. To view the document, please use the link below.

Concept Paper: Australian Longitudinal Learning Database (ALLD)

For more information, contact Information Consultancy on 1300 135 070 or email education.statistics@abs.gov.au