Key dates you need to know
The school census happens 3 times in a school year.
The dates below are for the 2026/27 academic year.
If you're a maintained school or pupil referral unit (PRU), check if your local authority (LA) sets its own return deadline.
Autumn 2026 census
- Census date: Thursday 1 October 2026
- Return deadline date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Spring 2027 census
- Census date: Thursday 21 January 2027
- Return deadline date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Summer 2027 census
- Census date: Thursday 20 May 2027
- Return deadline date: Wednesday 16 June 2027
Note: Independent schools are also required to complete the school-level annual school census (SLASC).
Understand how the census affects your funding
Some of the data you submit in census returns is used to determine your school's funding allocations. Read more about this in our other article.
Get help with your census
Read DfE guidance on