What is the CTF?
The common transfer file (CTF) is the way schools send information about a pupil who leaves to join another school.
Maintained schools (including maintained PRUs): you're legally required to send a CTF if a registered pupil moves to another school in the UK.
This is explained on page 5 of the technical specification for the CTF published by the DfE.
Academies: there is no legal requirement, but the DfE's guidance states that you're 'strongly encouraged to send CTFs when a pupil leaves to attend another school'.
Deadline for transferring the CTF
You must transfer the CTF to a pupil’s new school no later than 15 school days after the date on which the pupil ceases to be registered at your school.
This is explained in clause 3 of regulation 9 of the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005.
You must generate CTFs from your main school MIS. This will make sure that all