Guidance

School to school (S2S) data transfer system: guides

How schools and local authorities access and use the S2S secure data transfer system.

Documents

School to school (S2S) guide for schools

School to school (S2S) guide for local authorities

Details

Guidance on how to use the S2S secure data transfer system to send pupil data using the common transfer file to schools and local authorities.

The guides cover:

  • encrypting data
  • file formats and naming conventions
  • uploading and downloading files
  • pupil transfers
  • using the unique learner number link to access the learning records service

The unique learner numbers (ULN) service, within S2S was removed in August 2020. Schools can now get ULNs directly from the LRS portal using the same format files. Guidance on using the LRS portal is available.

Updates to this page

Published 10 December 2013
Last updated 16 February 2022 + show all updates
  1. Removed the 'S2S ULN service: user guide'.

  2. Updated guidance for schools and LAs to include information on using DfE sign-in to access S2S.

  3. Updated S2S ULN service guide with warnings about sending unsecured, personal information.

  4. Updated URLs, screenshots and acronyms in 'S2S: guide for schools' and 'S2S: guide for local authorities'.

  5. First published.

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