Data import
Reading Steps supports multiple methods for importing student and class data.
CSV import
Import data using CSV files for bulk student and class management.
Importing students
- Go to Admin Panel > Students
- Click Import Students
- Download the template CSV
- Fill in your student data
- Upload the completed CSV
- Review and confirm the import
Required columns:
| Column | Description |
|---|
| first_name | Student’s first name |
| last_name | Student’s last name |
| class_name | Class to assign student to |
| Column | Description |
|---|
| email | Student’s email address |
| upn | Unique Pupil Number |
| year_group | Year group (e.g., 3, 4, 5) |
| date_of_birth | Format: YYYY-MM-DD |
| gender | M, F, or Other |
| reading_level | Starting reading level |
Example CSV
first_name,last_name,class_name,email,year_group,upn
Emma,Smith,3A,emma@school.uk,3,A123456789012
James,Wilson,3A,james@school.uk,3,B234567890123
Sophie,Brown,3B,sophie@school.uk,3,C345678901234
Import validation
Before importing, Reading Steps validates:
- Required fields are present
- Email addresses are valid format
- Class names match existing classes (or creates new ones)
- No duplicate UPNs
- Date formats are correct
If validation fails, you’ll see a detailed error report. Fix the issues in your CSV and re-upload.
Class import
Import classes separately or alongside students.
| Column | Required | Description |
|---|
| class_name | Yes | Unique class identifier |
| year_group | No | Year group for the class |
| teacher_email | No | Email of assigned teacher |
Example
class_name,year_group,teacher_email
3A,3,teacher1@school.uk
3B,3,teacher2@school.uk
4A,4,teacher3@school.uk
Bulk operations
Updating existing students
To update existing students via CSV:
- Export your current student list
- Modify the exported CSV
- Re-import with Update existing option enabled
- Students are matched by UPN or email
Moving students between classes
upn,class_name
A123456789012,4A
B234567890123,4A
Data export
Export your data for backup or analysis.
Exporting students
- Go to Admin Panel > Students
- Click Export
- Select format (CSV or Excel)
- Choose which fields to include
- Download the file
Exporting reading data
- Go to Reports > Export
- Select date range
- Choose data type:
- Reading sessions
- Assessment results
- Progress reports
- Download the export
Troubleshooting
Common import errors
| Error | Solution |
|---|
| ”Missing required field” | Ensure all required columns are present |
| ”Invalid email format” | Check email addresses for typos |
| ”Duplicate UPN” | Each UPN must be unique |
| ”Class not found” | Enable “Create new classes” option |
| ”Date format invalid” | Use YYYY-MM-DD format |
Large imports
For imports over 1,000 students:
- Split into multiple CSV files
- Import in batches of 500-1,000
- Allow each batch to complete before starting the next
