Welsh Government commissioned Miller Research to analyse responses to its consultation on proposals for a new approach to using data and information in the school system to support learning and improvement, alongside proposals for a 14 to 16 Learner Entitlement Indicators Framework (LEIF). The work supported the next phase of reforms linked to the roll-out of the Curriculum for Wales, including expectations for publication and use of school-level information.

What we did

We independently analysed 53 responses (34 online responses and 19 mailbox submissions), including English, Welsh and bilingual returns. Responses were coded and thematically analysed on a question-by-question basis, with findings summarised clearly for policy teams.

What we found

Overall feedback was mixed, with many respondents supportive of the intent to move away from performative, accountability-driven cultures, but concerned about how proposals would work in practice.

Key themes included:

• Broad recognition that information ecosystem principles could support a more holistic, learner-centred approach, alongside calls for much clearer implementation detail and safeguards

• Persistent concern about unintended accountability pressures, school comparison, and the risk of ‘gaming’ behaviours returning via published indicators

• Strong emphasis on workforce capacity: respondents highlighted risks around workload, staff wellbeing, and implementation burden, and the need for professional learning and tools to support consistent reporting

• Debate about LEIF design features, including the 50 entries threshold, small-cohort subject visibility, and whether additional indicators (e.g. value-added, wellbeing, attendance, richer contextual data) are needed

• Welsh language impacts: respondents saw opportunities to better evidence progress towards Cymraeg 2050, but flagged practical issues including small cohorts and wider system capacity (e.g. Welsh-speaking workforce).

Outputs

We produced a clear, structured summary of responses with charts and thematic analysis, highlighting points of consensus, common misconceptions, and practical considerations for next steps (including guidance needs and implementation risks).