How Further Education can use the service
The use of the Unique Learner Number (ULN) in further education is now a mandatory requirement for publicly-funded Further Education (FE) and specifically when submitting Individualised Learner Record (ILR) returns. The advice is that all learners in education should be allocated a valid and separate ULN as a means of identifying their learning achievements for life.
You have three ways of creating for ULNs via the Learner Register Organisation Portal:
- Individually
If you have a group of up to 50 ULNs to obtain, this is probably the quickest way to get them. The organisation portal can also used to edit the details of a ULN such as the preferred name or change of postcode.
- Using the Batch process
This can be used for obtaining groups of ULNs in batches between 50 and 5000. The batch files must conform to our Registration Batch Interface Guide which can be found in the Batch Toolkit. Batches are processed throughout the day up until 6.00 pm. Batches submitted after this time are processed overnight. The Output file can be downloaded and any created ULNs loaded back into your system. The output file may also contain exceptions which needs manual intervention to resolve.
- Web Services
Using these services, your management information (MI) software is linked into the Learner Register, automatically retrieving ULNs where they exist or obtaining new ULNs. The MI software may assist in the resolution of the exceptions. This is the preferred method but does rely on your own MIS Vendor or software supplier providing the interface with the Learner Register.
Personal Learning Record
The Personal Learning Record (PLR) records all QCF learner achievement both at unit (credit) and qualification level as well as qualifications such as A levels, GCSEs, Diplomas and Functional Skills. The qualification data comes from government sources and is therefore a verified source.The feeds currently come from the National Pupil Database (NPD) and the ILR as well as some awarding organisations directly loading QCF units and qualifications.
It can be used to advise learners on their choices and options so that the college or provider can tailor their offering. It can also be used at enrolment to verify learners' qualifications to ensure they are put on the correct course and to prevent the need for learners to undertake any pre-entry tests.
Registering for our services
Further information
If you have any queries about registering,
email the Learning Records Service Customer Help Desk or phone 0845 602 2589.
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