Statutory data collections

The Performance, Systems and Monitoring (PSM) team supports schools with statutory data collections, helping you understand requirements, prepare your data and complete accurate returns within the required timescales.

This page provides key information about the School Census, including important dates, preparation guidance, data quality checks and support available from the PSM team.

Autumn School Census 2026

The School Census is a statutory data collection completed by schools each term. It collects information about schools and their pupils and is used by the Department for Education and local authorities for a range of purposes, including funding, planning and monitoring education services.

The PSM team works with Hackney schools throughout the census process, providing guidance and support to help ensure returns are complete, accurate and submitted on time.

Preparing and submitting your return

Schools should update their Management Information System (MIS) records, generate a test return, resolve validation errors and investigate queries. The Headteacher must review and approve the final return before submission.

Maintained schools should follow Hackney Education’s submission instructions. Academies should follow their usual DfE submission arrangements.

Review the 2026/27 changes, including Free School Meals categories and verification, kinship care, managed moves and revised exclusion information. Primary and nursery schools should also review Early Years requirements; secondary schools with sixth forms should check Post-16 data.

Visit the Resources Hub for detailed recording rules, collection periods and completion checks.

Need help?

If you need support with your School Census return, the Performance, Systems and Monitoring team is here to help.

When contacting us, please include your school name and a brief description of your query so that we can direct your request appropriately.

Please do not include sensitive pupil information in an unsecured email.