Data sharing requirements on schools

Published
Information about the School Census for Parent Carers

The submission of the school census individual pupil records is a statutory requirement on schools under Section 537A of the Education Act 1996.

Putting the school census on a statutory basis:

  • means that schools do not need to obtain parental or pupil consent to the provision of information
  • ensures schools are protected from any legal challenge that they are breaching a duty of confidence to pupils
  • helps to ensure that returns are completed by schools

Local data sharing between schools and the council

Regular sharing of pupil level data enhances the ability of the council and schools to support the learning and welfare of children and young people.

The council has a number of statutory responsibilities and the ability to fulfil these roles is dependent on the regular and ongoing receipt of core pupil data from all schools to ensure that informed decisions are reached and correct allocation of resources made. 

The council requires regular pupil level data from schools related to the following:

  • Student Attendance
  • Chosen family name
  • Chosen given name
  • First language
  • Home language
  • Reg group
  • Student exclusions
  • Student SEN history
  • Student SEN needs
  • Student school history

Visit the School Census webpage for more information.


Back to newsletter