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School admission register: requirements and guidance

All schools must hold an admission register. Find out what should be in it, how long you should keep records, and when and how to remove a pupil from the school roll.

Updated
on 28 September 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 2113
Contents
  1. You must have an electronic admission register
  2. Contents of the admission register
  3. Understand when to remove a pupil from the school roll
  4. Record certain details before you remove the pupil
  5. Ofsted can inspect your admission register

You must have an electronic admission register

This applies to all schools, including independent schools.

This is explained in paragraphs 29 and 208 of the DfE's statutory guidance on working together to improve school attendance. 

Keep all records for 6 years from the day the entry was made

You must also make a back-up copy of the admission register at least once a month, in printed or electronic form, and keep the copies for 6 years after the end of the school year they relate to. 

This is explained in regulations 5 and 7 of The School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024.

Contents of the admission register

It must include the names and personal details of all pupils, both of compulsory and non-compulsory school age, including part-time pupils.

Full name The name the pupil uses at school Sex Address The full name and address of every known parent