Census dates 2026/2027

This article contains important dates for censuses taking place across the current academic year. This information is derived from DfE guidance on School Censuses and the Workforce Census.

*Please note: School Census dry runs are usually available two weeks before the census date, and Workforce Census dry runs usually open four weeks before, but this may be subject to change depending on alterations made by the DfE.

Data Collections

Here are some key data points collected in the census, along with links to easily access and review the data.

Attendance data

See how to check attendace data here: View attendance statistics 

Autumn 2026 Census (Census Day: 1 October 2026):

Summer Term 2026 Attendance (for pupils aged 4 to 15 as of 31 August 2025):

• Summer First Half: Easter Monday 6 April 2026 to Sunday 24 May 2026 (before the Spring Bank Holiday).
• Summer Second Half: Spring Bank Holiday Monday 25 May 2026 to 31 July 2026

Spring 2027 Census (Census Day: 21 January 2027):

• Autumn Term 2026 Attendance: From the start of the autumn term (1 August 2026) to 31 December 2026

Summer 2027 Census (Census Day: 20 May 2027):

• Spring Term 2027 Attendance: From 1 January 2027 to Easter Sunday 28 March 2027

Free School Meal Eligibility 

FSM data is returned for pupils on roll on census day who have either an active (open) eligibility period or a closed period since the previous census. All active FSM pupils must have a "last verified" check date recorded in the MIS within the specific valid ranges

More on managing this here: View FSM students and eligibility dates

Autumn 2026 

• Closed FSM Periods (End Dates): FSM eligibility with end dates between 22 May 2026 and 1 October 2026 (inclusive).
• Active FSM Periods: Any FSM eligibility start date on or before the census day (1 October 2026) with no end date (active)
• FSM Eligibility Verification Date (Rechecking): Active eligibility periods need a verification date between 1 June 2026 and 1 October 2026 (inclusive)

Spring 2027: 

• Closed FSM Periods (End Dates): FSM eligibility with end dates between 2 October 2026 and 21 January 2027 (inclusive)
• Active FSM Periods: Any FSM eligibility start date on or before the census day (21 January 2027) with no end date (active)
• FSM Eligibility Verification Date (Rechecking): Active eligibility periods need a verification date between 1 June 2026 and 21 January 2027 (inclusive)

Summer 2027: 

• Closed FSM Periods (End Dates): FSM eligibility with end dates between 22 January 2027 and 20 May 2027 (inclusive)
• Active FSM Periods: Any FSM eligibility start date on or before the census day (20 May 2027) with no end date (active)
• FSM Eligibility Verification Date (Rechecking): Active eligibility periods need a verification date between 1 June 2026 and 20 May 2027 (inclusive)

Suspensions and permanent exclusions 

See how to manage these here: View behaviour reporting

Autumn 2026 Census:

• Covers Spring and Summer Term 2026 exclusions: From 1 January 2026 to 31 July 2026.

Spring 2027 Census:

• Covers Summer and Autumn Term 2026 exclusions: From Easter Monday 6 April 2026 to 31 December 2026.

Summer 2027 Census:

• Covers Autumn 2026 and Spring 2027 Term exclusions: From 1 August 2026 to Easter Sunday, 28 March 2027

This includes both enrolled and unenrolled students. For more information, please visit: Data items 2025 to 2026

Additional resources

We also have the following articles that provide further guidance for each census.

School Census

Preparing for the school census - This article serves as an introduction to administering the census,  including details on the necessary permissions, data verification, etc.

Census Summary Inspection - This article covers each table that can appear in the School Census and provides overviews of the information recorded in the tables.

School Census FAQ - This guide lists the most common questions that schools ask regarding the School Census.

Workforce Census

Workforce Census Guide - This article covers the preparation and running of your Workforce Census, along with guidance on resolving errors and queries.

Workforce Census FAQ - This article lists the common queries raised by schools and provides detailed answers.

CES Census

CES Census Guide - This article covers the preparation and administration of the CES Census.