Upcoming Postcode Profiler data update: Removal of legacy Acorn methodology from dataset

Following our previous implementation of the new Acorn methodology into the Postcode Profiler underlying dataset, the upcoming 2026 refresh will continue to utilise the new methodology within both the Postcode Profiler Report and the underlying dataset.

What is the new version of Acorn?

For further information on how Acorn works and has been developed, please see the CACI website.

Will the old version of Acorn be available following the update?

Following the 2026 Refresh of the Postcode Profiler Tool, the old version of Acorn will no longer be available to access via the HEAT database or File Store. Access to new Acorn data will continue to be provided via the Postcode Profiler Report and underlying dataset.

How will the upcoming Postcode Profiler update of Acorn impact HEAT?

Following the update of new Acorn data into the Postcode Profiler underlying dataset, for HEAT members with a CACI license, the new Acorn data will feed through to the following locations and fields on the database:

• ‘ACORN Group’ on the Student record Geography tab
• ‘ACORN Category’ on the Student record Geography tab
• ‘ACORN Type’ on the Student record Geography tab
• ‘ACORN Group’ on the Ambassador record Geography tab
• ‘ACORN Category’ on the Ambassador record Geography tab
• ‘ACORN Type’ on the Ambassador record Geography tab
• ‘ACORN Group’ on the Postcode Profiler Report
• ‘ACORN Category’ on the Postcode Profiler Report
• ‘ACORN Type’ on the Postcode Profiler Report
• ACORN Group’ on the Event Programme Application Supporting Indicators tab
• ‘ACORN Category’ on the Event Programme Application Supporting Indicators Report
• ‘ACORN Type’ on the Event Programme Application Supporting Indicators Report
• All reports and exports that provide Acorn information

If you would like to understand more about Acorn data on HEAT, or have any queries regarding this update, please contact HEAT Support.