Share & Compare: Data Collaboration Service 2026
In this article:
- S&C Statement 2026
- Introduction
- Registration
- Data Upload Window
- Notes
1. S&C Statement 2026
We will not be running the Share & Compare (S&C) exercise in 2026. Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the Class of 2026 (current Year 11), who did not sit KS2 SATs in Year 6 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the baseline data required to generate reliable Attainment 8 (A8) and Progress 8 (P8) estimates is inconsistent.
Schools have used a variety of alternative tests and methodologies to establish KS2 baselines, resulting in incompatible data sets. Any estimates derived from such mixed data would lack the reliability necessary for effective comparison or intervention.
Furthermore, the Department for Education has confirmed that the 2025 and 2026 performance tables will not include Progress 8 (see DfE Guidance – p.11)
Using S&C estimates for these year groups could therefore be misleading and risk targeting the wrong pupils, classes, groups or subjects. We strongly recommend exploring alternative progress and attainment methods which are discussed in this recorded webinar.
That said, we understand some schools may still wish to analyse P8 data. If so, and if the limitations are clearly understood, this can still be informative. For schools working with the 2025 or 2026 cohorts, we recommend using the DfE’s validated 2024 estimates. These use a consistent and fully documented methodology.
2. Introduction
Share & Compare is the annual 4Matrix data collaboration service, which is used to generate a set of Attainment 8 estimates for use with Progress 8, well in advance of the DfE's provisional dataset. S&C is currently paused until august 2027.
The final set of shared data for 2024 was based on:
- 679 schools
- 120,429 pupils
- 1,075,585 results
In 2023, the final set of 4Matrix Share & Compare data from almost 700 schools included Attainment 8 estimates which were, on average, within 1.4% of the official DfE figures.
3. Registration
Registration is closed until further notice.
4. Data Upload Window
Share & Compare is closed for 2024 results data, which means schools can no longer submit their data to us or download the comparative data.
In summer 2024, S&C opened for uploads at 09:30 on Thursday 22nd August and closed in late November when the DfE issued the provisional national data.
5. Notes
School's must upload their own data to access the 4Matrix comparative data.
For more information, including mini-guides for using the 4Matrix Desktop S&C tools, please visit https://www.4matrix.com/share
We expect to issue further information on S&C 2027 in summer 2027 and this will be communicated with users of the legacy 4Matrix Desktop and the new 4Matrix Cloud platform.
Article revised: 13/07/2026