Sonar Tracker: How do I filter pupils?

Overview

This article explains what filters are, and how to use them to limit which pupil records are selected for use when entering assessment data, reporting or conducting detailed data analysis. Filters are used to show a subset of pupils based on contextual data.

Filters are simple and easy to use. If you can use them in one place, you can use them everywhere.

We are currently in the process of changing the look and feel of our filters. Newer reports and assessment pages include our new look filters. We will change the look of the filters on the original reports in due course. The filters work in the same way but look a little different; therefore, visuals and descriptions are provided for each version of the filters in this article.

The following buttons are used to access the filters:

Select a tab to find out more about each version of the filters:

Opening original filters

Select Filters to view the Pupil Filters pane.

Often, filters are pre-applied when you run a report or tool (to show a specific year group for example). The number of pupils in the filtered list is displayed in the window after selecting the filters.

To view the filter tool select either Filters or Active Filter (depending on which is displayed):

Applying original filters

Multiple focuses and filters can be combined, for example, select Male and Pupil Premium to show Pupil Premium boys.

Demonstration

Opening new filters

Select Filters to view the Filters slide-out on the right of the page. The filters will look similar to these:

Often, filters are pre-applied when you run a report or tool (to show a specific year group for example). The number of pupils in the filtered list is displayed after selecting the filters.

Applying new filters

Multiple focuses and filters can be combined, for example, select Male and Pupil Premium to show Pupil Premium boys. After selection, select Save to apply the filters. The following filters are available for selection:

Removing filters

Select Applied from the Filters slide-out to view the applied filters, then:

Select the X next to an individual filter to remove it.
Select Clear all to remove all filters selected.
Select Save to apply the selected filters.

Training

Looking for training to help you enter assessment data into Sonar Tracker?

Select to view Sonar Tracker courses in the Juniper Training Centre.

Updated 04 September 2026 10:12

Filter button	Filter version
	Original filters
	Original filters (where filters have been set)
	New filters

Pupil Groups	Select one or more Year Group(s).
Class Groups	Select one or more Class Group(s).
Groups	Select one or more saved groups that have been created.
Ethnicity	Select one or more ethnicities to filter by specific ethnic backgrounds. Pupils from all ethnicities are displayed by default.
Gender	Select from Male and Female.
First Language	Select from English or Not English.
Birth Term	Select from Autumn, Spring or Summer.
Birth Month	Select a range using From... and To... select pupils born within a specific month or a period of months.
School Entry	Select a date range using the start and end date filters to select pupils whose admission date was within the selected range.
Attendance	Use the control to select the attendance range for pupils:
Characteristics	Select Characteristics to view Focus, SEN and SEN Needs filters (explained below):
Focus	These filters allow combinations to be applied. Select the different focus filters from Leavers, EAL, In Care, Ever In Care, Pupil Premium, FSM, FSM6, Service Child and SEN. Toggle between the individual filters to include or exclude from the view: The Leavers filter is set to be excluded by default. When set to grey they will be included, when set to green the cohort will be exclusively leavers.
SEN	Select the SEN category from: Select All - select all SEN categories. N - No Special Education Need - Pupil has been categorised as having no special education need. E - Education, Health and Care Plan - Pupil has been categorised as having an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). K - SEN Support - Pupil has been categorised as requiring SEN support. S - Statement - Pupil has been categorised as having a Statement. N A - Not applicable - not category.
SEN Needs	Select one or more SEN Needs from: Select All - select all SEN Needs. SPLD - Specific Learning Difficulty. MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty. SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty. PMLD - Profound & Multiple Learning Difficulty. BESD - Social, Emotional and Mental Health. SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Needs. HI - Hearing Impairment. VI - Vision Impairment. MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment. PD - Physical Disability. ASD- Autistic Spectrum Disorder. OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability. SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health. NSA - SEN support but no specialist assessment of need type. DS - Down Syndrome. NA - Not applicable.