Retention Rate Business Definition 2008/2009

DEFINITION

1. The Retention Rate is a measure of the ability to complete the course of study for a qualification aim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

2. Retention rates are published by the LSC for the FE sector alongside success and achievement rate data.

3. There are two definitions of achievement rate of which ‘Retention Rate – completers’ is the primary measure and ‘Retention Rate – incl continuing’ is a historical measure that has been superseded.

4. Where the term ‘retention rate’ is used on its own it is the ‘Retention Rate – completers’ that is being used.

5. The concept of a retention rate is not used by the LSC in the Employer Responsive or Adult Safeguarded Learning sectors.

6. ‘Retention Rate – completers’ is the number of aims that have been completed divided by the total number of aims excluding those that were transferred out of.

7. ‘Retention Rate – incl continuing’ completers’ is the number of aims that have been completed or are still being continued divided by the total number of aims excluding those that were transferred out of.

8. A completed aim is coded on the ILR as a34=2.An aim that is completed or still continuing is coded on the ILR as a34=1 or 2. An aim that was transferred out of is coded on the ILR as a34 = 4.

LINKS

9. See the ILR Specification fields A35 and A34 for definitions of the learning outcome and completion status.

Last date modified: 27th November 2008