News

System updates for each development release, such as new functionality, features and bug fixes and other non development news items relating to Get information about schools (GIAS).

These are news items that are no more than 6 months old. Select news archive if you want to see news items older than 6 months.

All news items show what was originally displayed at the time of publication, therefore some links in these news items may no longer work.

News archive


System update
4 May 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Addition of clearer prompts to remind establishment users when they should update their establishment’s contact details and provide clarity on how contact information is shared.
  • Update to the tool tips and email address usage information to reflect the above changes.
  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Addition of a confirmation page to help users review the changes they are proposing when editing the record for an academy trust.
    • Addition of a video guide (opens in new tab) to the governance guidance page to support academy trust users who are responsible for updating their trust’s governance information.
    • Update to the news page pop-up modal to improve clarity for all users.
    • Update to the help page layout and content to improve clarity for all users.
    • Update to GIAS library settings to ensure continued support for GOV.UK Notify.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.
  • Refresh of the ONS geospatial data items following the Northamptonshire local authority structural changes (opens in new tab) in April 2021.

Consultation

Webservices housekeeping exercise – proposal to delete extracts

We are proposing to delete the following webservice extracts as they have not been generated for some time.

If anyone is using them, please complete a service request form letting us know no later than Tuesday 25 May 2021.

  • Extract name: All Open Schools.xls
    Extract id: 13635
    Date last generated: 04/03/2018
  • Extract name: portalupdate.csv
    Extract id: 13390
    Date last generated: 28/03/2018
  • Extract name: LeicestershireExtract.csv
    Extract id: 13492
    Date last generated: 08/03/2019
  • Extract name: Headteachers.csv
    Extract id: 13796
    Date last generated: 30/08/2017

System update
21 April 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for a bug preventing some scheduled extracts from generating correctly when a user attempts to access them manually via the downloads page.
    • Fix to correct an issue preventing some users from filtering search results on all of the group statuses that they have permission to view.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Clearer prompts to remind establishment users when they should update their establishment’s contact details and provide clarity on how contact information is shared.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

System update
13 April 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey. We use the feedback from this survey to plan and prioritise future improvements. We encourage all users to make regular use of this survey, even if they have used it before.
  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for a bug causing the academy trust’s UKPRN number to be displayed on the individual establishment’s record instead of the UKPRN for that academy when reviewing at trust level.
    • Update to remove outdated references to edubase on some pages.
    • Fix to ensure the order of tabs displayed on a group’s governance page is the same irrespective or whether or not the user is using the edit mode.
    • Fix to ensure users who complete a change to an establishment’s record are returned to the expected page after the change has been submitted.
    • Additional explanatory text to the news and news archive pages to better explain the purpose of each page and the point-in-time nature of the links included in historical news posts.
    • Update to the page breadcrumbs to enable clearer navigation across the site.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Clearer prompts to remind establishment users when they should update their establishment’s contact details and provide clarity on how contact information is shared.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

Provider Data Improvement Programme - Discovery

A discovery is starting in April 2021 that will look to capture the user requirements and business needs of key users of provider data, while at the same time look at what provider data is mastered and held across the DfE estate and how it is governed. Capturing this information is vital in allowing us to progress in improving the quality of provider data, both for operational and analytical purposes, inside and outside our organisation.

We will be starting to contact stakeholders from mid-April. If you are approached can you try and make some time to meet with the team and feed into the discovery. We appreciate time is of a premium at the moment, but your opinions are essential to the success of the project moving forward.

Additionally, if you would like to be involved in the discovery and ensure your requirements are captured, you can do so by emailing ds.deliverysupport@education.gov.uk with ‘data provider discovery’ in the subject line. Can you please include a sentence in the body of the email describing your use of provider data and your team/organisation.

Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Local authority structural changes
1 April 2021

The list of local authorities in the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has now been updated to reflect the changes arising from the Northamptonshire local authority structural change order (2020) (opens in new tab).

The DfE (aka LA Estab) number of establishments effected by these changes has also been updated.

Other underlying spatial and location data will be refreshed when the AddressBase update is available.

Users do not need to take any action within GIAS.

DfE Sign-in users and users of other downstream applications have been issued with separate guidance explaining the actions they need to take within those services.

System update
22 March 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Minor improvements to the change approval settings for all establishment types to ensure consistency when a user requests changes to the values of individual fields.
    • General update to multiple pages to ensure consistency of layout and clearer distinction between the data item rows, irrespective of type of device used to access GIAS.
    • Correction of a spelling error in the system messages generated within the amalgamate or merge establishments tool.
    • Addition of an intermediary page to aide understanding when users access the service request form via the contact link.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

Important reminder

On the evening of 31 March 2021 GIAS will be updated to reflect the Northamptonshire local authority boundary changes (opens in new tab), which are for scheduled for 1 April 2021. The update will:

  • Add two new local authorities to GIAS:
    • 940 – North Northamptonshire Council
    • 941 – West Northamptonshire Council
  • Rename the existing 928 – Northamptonshire local authority to Pre-LGR 2021 Northamptonshire.
  • Move the establishments with the following status from the current 928 – Northamptonshire local authority to their new local authority, in line with the geographic split detailed in the change order.
    • Pending approval.
    • Proposed to open.
    • Open.
    • Proposed to close.
  • Update the 3-digit prefix of the effected establishment’s DfE number to reflect their new local authority.
  • Neither the 4-digit ‘estab’ code or the Unique Reference Number (URN) of the effected establishments is expected to change.

System update
9 March 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for an occasional error when a user searches for an academy trust in the create new academy trusts page.
    • Addition of an error message to cater for certain scenarios when a user searches for a local authority using the general search tool.
    • Correction of the page titles displayed when a user downloads an establishment or group’s change history following a successful search.
    • Addition of a toggle function to show or hide the map on the establishment details page.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

System update
24 February 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Addition of ability to select multiple files for downloading from the downloads page.
  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Addition of a confirmatory banner when a data owner user successfully converts a single academy trust (SAT) to a multi-academy trust (MAT).
    • Update to the local governing body section of the multi-academy trust (MAT) governance page to improve clarity of message.
    • Update to the headers and explanations on the tools landing page and the individual tool landing pages to improve consistency and clarity of message for users with access to tools.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.
  • Update to reflect the Northamptonshire local authority boundary changes (opens in new tab) scheduled for 1 April 2021.

System update
9 February 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for a bug preventing some MAT users from accessing their MAT group record or their MAT’s establishment records whilst logged in.
    • Fix for an error preventing users from downloading the governance bulk update template when using Chrome.
    • Update to ensure all dates displayed on the user interface are consistent with the format preferred by the Government Digital Service (GDS) style guide (DD Month YYYY). There are no changes to dates in downloads.
    • Content update to the groups pages to more clearly explain when a record is a group.
    • Update to the links to non-GIAS websites to advise users when the link will open in a new tab.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Ability to select multiple files for downloading from the downloads page.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.
  • Update to reflect the Northamptonshire local authority boundary changes (opens in new tab) scheduled for 1 April 2021.

Important notice for users of GIAS establishment data

In order to support the delivery of the department’s mass testing of schools and colleges as part of the response to Covid-19 (opens in new tab), the GIAS support team will be fast-tracking the inclusion of several new establishments to the service.

These records will be for establishment types which are not within the scope of GIAS and may be archived after this work is complete. The data in these records may also be less than that for a standard establishment type and some details (for example, the opening date) may not be an accurate reflection of the actual value for that establishment.

The records will be publicly visible and will be included in standard downloads. However, to minimise the impact on users who are dependent on establishment data, these records will be listed under the ‘miscellaneous’ establishment type.

If you are a user of GIAS establishment data and already filter the miscellaneous establishment type out of your dataset you do not need to take any further action.

If you already make use of the ‘miscellaneous’ establishment type or do not filter the ‘miscellaneous’ establishment type out of your search results we recommend you take the following action:

  • Filter your search results to remove the ‘miscellaneous’ establishment type. You can find it under ‘Other types’ in the on-screen filter and as a value under the ‘establishment type’ column in downloads and extracts.
  • Use the historical download tool to download the establishment list from before 3 February 2021 and compare it to the current list, ignoring any miscellaneous establishments that have been added since that date.
  • Contact (opens in new tab) the GIAS support team for further advice.

A further update will be provided when the long-term position for these establishment records has been decided.

Reminder for users responsible for keeping the establishment record up to date

As part of your monthly review please can you check the headteacher/principal/manager email address field, the email (main school) address field and the alternative email address field are up to date where applicable. Your establishment should have the headteacher/principal/manager field and the email address field as a minimum completed.

Establishments without a valid email address contact point may not receive important communications from the Department for Education, including urgent Covid-19 related notices.

Further guidance on why it is important to maintain the accuracy of the information in your establishment’s record, and how to do so, can be found in the service information and users responsibilities page of the help menu.

System update
26 January 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Correction of a bug causing values in the results table on the change history to wrap incorrectly.
    • Update to error messages associated with children centres to improve clarity.
    • Update to the children’s centre tool to ensure continued functionality for users without JavaScript enabled.
    • Update to the amalgamate or merge establishment tool to ensure continued functionality for users without JavaScript enabled.
    • Progressive enhancement to the bulk create new academies tool to alert users when the system is performing a long running process.
    • Update to the locations page to ensure continued edit functionality for users without JavaScript enabled.
    • Content update to field labels on the establishment details page to ensure clarity and accessibility compliance. There is no change to field labels on the downloads.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Ability to select multiple files for downloading from the downloads page.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file format options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.
  • Update to reflect the Northamptonshire local authority boundary changes (opens in new tab) scheduled for 1 April 2021.

System update
19 January 2021

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for a bug causing the banner prompting establishment users to confirm the details of their establishment to be displayed earlier than expected.
    • Fix for a bug preventing some users from being able to edit the ‘Delegated authority of a local governing body’ field.
    • Improvement to the stability of the spinner icon displayed when the system is processing a large request.
    • Update to ensure correct capitalisation of the headings in the tool to choose a specific set of data to download from a search result.
    • Update to improve the formatting and usability of the governance guidance on the help menu.
    • Update to the tools menu to ensure consistency and clarity of tool titles and explanations.
    • Removal of an invalid option from the establishment type dropdown.
    • Update to ensure all dates displayed on the user interface are consistent with the format preferred by the Government Digital Service (GDS) style guide (DD Month YYYY). There are no changes to dates in downloads.
    • Accessibility update to ensure the ‘Manage academy openings’ tool functions for users without javascript being enabled.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file formats options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.
  • Update to reflect the Northamptonshire local authority boundary changes (opens in new tab) scheduled for 1 April 2021.

System update
15 December 2020

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for an error preventing some users from editing their special educational needs (SEN) information on their establishment record.
    • Removal of an invalid entry from the drop-down list of options for the appointing body field on an establishment’s governance record.
    • Removal of an unnecessary link to the news page on the help menu.
    • Change to some font size settings on an establishment’s governance record, to improve clarity.
    • Change to some font size settings on the change request approvals page, to improve clarity.
    • Update to the layout and functionality of the tables on the group and establishment change history pages to improve user experience and ensure compliance with the Government Digital Services (GDS) style guide.
    • Update to the menu focus rules to improve user orientation when navigating between different sections of a page.
    • Update to the accessibility features of the proprietor section of an independent school’s establishment record to ensure continued functionality where a user’s JavaScript settings are disabled.
    • Update to the standard features of all modal components to ensure full accessibility.
    • Update to the accessibility features of the filter component on the search results page to improve user experience when using a screen reader.
    • Update to the labelling on various tool pages to ensure compliance with the accessibility requirements for public sector websites and applications.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file formats options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

System update
1 December 2020

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for error when downloading group change history.
    • Fix for error when closing an error message on the create group page.
    • Removal of incorrect error message on children’s centre and children’s centre group pages.
    • Fix to ensure links to Companies House records open in a new window.
    • Fix for unexpected behaviour when selecting some help icons.
    • Update to the expandable filters to improve the experience of keyboard users.
    • Improvements to the search results filter options to improve the experience of users with accessibility needs.
    • Update to the ordering of in-page error messages to increase clarity and understanding.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file formats options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

System update
17 November 2020

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Update to ensure the records of closed establishments can only be edited by approved DfE users.
  • Functionality to allow children’s centre linked sites manager details to be recorded if applicable
  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Update to the look and feel of the search results page, to ensure compliance with Government Digital Service (GDS) styling conventions.
    • Update to the look and feel of warning and error messages on the search and change history search pages to ensure compliance with GDS styling conventions.
    • Update to the look and feel of warning and error messages on the downloads page to ensure compliance with GDS styling conventions.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file formats options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

System update
10 November 2020

An updated version of the Get information about schools (GIAS) service has been released to all users. You do not need to take any specific action unless otherwise indicated below.

This release includes the following improvements:

  • Backfill of the historical downloads repository to 11 September 2020.

    NB. Older versions of some downloads are also available separately. Users with a need to access these older versions should contact the GIAS support team by completing service request (opens in new tab).
  • Bug fixes and fine-tuning to improve the overall user experience, including:
    • Fix for error experienced when updating some academy 16-19 convertors.
    • Fix for the incorrect generation of an error message when updating proprietor information for some independent schools.
    • Fix for incorrect error message when some invalid dates are used.
    • Fix to ensure all download links default to HTTPS. Users attempting to link directly to a HTTP link will need to accommodate to this change.

In future releases we plan to include:

  • Addition of the new user satisfaction survey.
  • Additional details to help users better understand and use the different daily downloads provided on the downloads page.
  • Improvements to the file formats options offered to users when downloading search results or pre-prepared downloads.

Reminder for users responsible for keeping the establishment record up to date

If you have not checked your school’s Unique Property Reference Number (UPRN) value recently we encourage you to do so as part of your next monthly review.

If you are unsure how to perform this check, further instructions are provided in the, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section on the help menu.

About the Get information about schools service

Welcome to the Get information about schools service.

This service replaces the previous EduBase system. You can use it to find details about schools, children's centres, academy trusts and sponsors, and school federations in England. Some information about Welsh establishments is also available.

Establishments can also update their records using this service.

All content is available under the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. The Open Government Licence does not cover personal information as defined in data protection legislation. Any personal information that is processed further by any organisation for other purposes will be subject to the terms of data protection legislation.