We make data work for education.
Sparkline is a specialist data and technology consultancy working with higher and further education providers. We help institutions cut through complexity – turning data challenges into clear decisions, confident governance, and practical action.
We know the education sector inside out. From OfS and HESA returns to AI readiness and data governance, we understand the regulatory landscape you operate in and the pressures you face day to day. That means you get advice that is grounded in your reality, not adapted from somewhere else.
What we do
Sparkline works across three areas:
Sparkline Advisory is our consultancy practice. We work with education providers on data governance, data protection, AI policy, and regulatory compliance – offering everything from project-based support to longer-term advisory relationships.
Sparkline Academy is where we share knowledge. Through webinars, training, and online content, we help education professionals build confidence and capability around data.
Sparkline Data Labs is our development and research arm. We build data products and tools designed specifically for the education sector.
Who we are
Sparkline was founded by Martha Horler, a data and technology specialist with many years of experience working in and alongside higher and further education. Martha has held senior data protection and governance roles, has DPO-level expertise, and has worked extensively on access and participation planning, AI policy, and sector data returns.
The name Sparkline comes from the concept used in data visualisation – a small, clear line that reveals the shape of something at a glance. That is exactly what we aim to do: bring clarity to complexity, and show you the picture that matters.
Why Sparkline
The education sector is going through a period of rapid change. New AI tools, evolving regulation, and growing pressure on data teams mean that getting governance right has never been more important – or more difficult.
We built Sparkline to be the kind of partner we would have wanted ourselves: expert, straightforward, and genuinely invested in helping education providers do the right thing with data.
