Adding Custom Columns

As standard, Connect allows the import of Gender, Ethnicity, Disadvantage, SEND and EAL. If you have data types other than the standard fields, you can import these as Custom Columns, which you can then use to filter and analyse your data. 

Custom Columns allow you to import your own filter categories and define the values you wish to use. Other users can then use these in the filter drop-downs in the Connect analysis zones to drill down into your data. Some common categories used are 'Attendance', 'Feeder School', 'New to Sixth' and ‘Age Range.’ You can add Custom Columns when importing your student data for the first time, or at any point throughout the year and you can edit the data at any time.

Import Custom Columns for New Year Group

The screenshots below take you through the import for adding attendance as a Custom Column, but the process is the same for any custom data you wish to upload. If you are uploading a new year group into Connect, include your Custom Column(s) in the Excel file you are going to upload. Here is an example: 

From the Connect homepage, navigate to the Cohorts screen, found in the Data Management tab. In the Cohorts screen select + Year Group under the relevant academic year. The wizard will open and walk you through uploading your file. Once you get to step 5, Column Mapping, your custom column will appear in yellow as 'Unmapped'. Click the red Map button:

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Then in the drop-down menu, select (Create New Custom Column):

Then click Save:

Then the box will turn green when it has been mapped and you can finish your import:

Please note you will need to republish any existing Gradepoints to update them with your Custom Columns. 

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Adding Attendance to an Existing Year Group

If you have already set up your year group in Connect, but wish to add a Custom Column, please follow the steps in the video below: 

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Please note that you will need to republish any existing Gradepoints to update them with your Custom Columns. 

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