Scottish Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) - University extract
ADR Scotland is continuing to build momentum in developing its dataset offering on educational outcomes. The Scottish Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) –University extract dataset offers a rich longitudinal picture of graduate pathways, enabling analysis of outcomes across study, work and early careers for UK‑domiciled students who studied in Scotland. It helps identify which groups thrive, where inequalities remain and how opportunities vary across Scotland, offering valuable insights for priority agendas such as Getting it Right For Every Child, The Promise and the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
Nearly 2.8 million records held securely
Education data spanning 2003–2020
Tax and benefits data through to 2022
Developed through collaboration between the Scottish Government, Department for Education, Department for Work and Pensions and HM Revenue & Customs, the dataset securely links higher education records with data on employment, earnings and benefit receipt. This creates a powerful longitudinal resource, enabling researchers to track outcomes from study into early careers and beyond, including patterns in earnings, employment sectors and benefit use over time.
The dataset covers nearly 2.8 million records and spans education data from 2003–2020, alongside tax and benefits data through to 2022. Further records are due to be added in autumn 2026.
Crucially, the Scottish LEO dataset enables analysis of inequalities in outcomes. Researchers can explore how experiences differ by deprivation, disability or care experience, and how these relate to subject choice, institution or geography. This makes it a vital tool for informing policy on key areas, including widening access, skills development and social mobility. This year, research led by Professor Iain Atherton and Alice Pearsons is already demonstrating the value of the data for workforce planning, with early-stage analysis underway on nursing graduate career pathways.
Supporting documentation
With this dataset now a flagship dataset, ADR Scotland has enhanced the supporting documentation available to researchers, including a user guide, data dictionary and webinar recording. Looking ahead, we are exploring opportunities to further expand the dataset, including the addition of Scottish schools, colleges and Modern Apprenticeship data.
