Overview
This article explains the steps to take if the qualification you are looking for is not listed in QN / Qual Title when searching on the KS5 Matching page. It details how to check if the qualification was unapproved by the DfE from 2018 (and no longer counts towards school performance measures) and how to match any unapproved Key Stage 5 qualifications in Sisra Analytics.
Prerequisites
Ensure that the KS5 Matching page is open, ready to edit:
- Select DATA.
- Select KS5 and Cohort.
- Select Grades.
- Select Matching.
- Select Edit.
Instructions
Check if your qualification is unapproved
Check whether or not the qualification you are trying to match is approved or not using the DfE’s 16 to 19 Qualifications and Discount Codes spreadsheet (see Sisra Analytics: KS5 - DfE's 16 to 18 Approved qualifications, discount codes and point scores).
Your qualification must be listed for the specific year you are reporting on; otherwise, it won't count towards the headline figures for that cohort. For example, if you’re working with 24/25 Leavers, ensure that the qualification is listed in the spreadsheet's 2025 tab.
If the qualification is listed, contact us.
Match an unapproved qualification
Where your qualification is unapproved and the QN code does not bring back a qualification to select:
- In Qual Title, enter Unapproved:
- Select the appropriate option, based on the type of qualification (see Sisra Analytics: What are the different unapproved qualification codes when matching KS5 subjects? for further guidance):
- Select an appropriate EAP (this is a mandatory requirement even when setting up unapproved qualifications).
- Optionally, select a Faculty.
- Select Save Changes.
Outcome
The qualification has been successfully matched and when reports are published, it will be available when analysing student performance (such as qualification and class analysis) despite not contribute towards headline figures, for example, Value Added.
Related information
- Sisra Analytics: KS5 - DfE's 16 to 18 Approved qualifications, discount codes and point scores.
- Sisra Analytics: What are the different unapproved qualification codes when matching KS5 subjects?
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