User:JamesLacey/sandbox

Background
The student sentiment index (SSI) is an indicator designed to measure student sentiment, which is defined as the degree of optimism/positivity that prospective students exhibit toward the education system, and their personal educational ambitions.

The student sentiment index was started in 2016 by Candlefox, a global education marketing firm.

The index is calculated each month on the basis of survey responses from a strategically representative audience, combined with in-market data. The survey focuses only on prospective students (people wishing to commence study within the next 24 months). It therefore acts as a lead indicator for the education sector.

Calculation
In simple terms, increased student sentiment indicates a healthier eduction sector, where prospective students are more likely to act on their desire to engage in further eduction. The index consists of 4 sub-indexes, focusing on the following themes:
 * Urgency - How quickly do students wish to commence their study
 * Confidence - How confident are prospective student s that the eduction system will meet their needs
 * Sensitivity to Funding - How sensitive are prospective students to the funding landscape? i.e could changes to funding arrangements affect their decision to enrol?
 * Motivation - How likely are prospective student to complete their studies and perform well