School Census- 2006 Autumn Census for Secondary Schools only

The DfES requires all Secondary Schools to complete their 2006 Autumn Census return on Thursday 21st September 2006. Please ensure that your School Census file reaches the Information and Research Centre no later that 29th September 2006. Files should be sent using the AnyComms (AVCO) data transfer system. Any schools not able to use this should contact Louise Bassetton 01603 222352.

As part of the Department's aim of seeking to reduce the number of surveys sent to schools and Local Authorities, the September School Census 2006 comprises the data collected in May 2006, except:

• There is no requirement to collect address information for Year 11 pupils.


• Attendance data will be collected for individual pupils, both 'On Roll' and 'No Longer On Roll' for the period between 16th April 2006 and 26th May 2006. This will also be collected for the whole Academic year 2005/06.


• Exclusion data are collected for ALL exclusions during the period 1st January 2006 until 16th April 2006, again for individual pupils, both 'On Roll' and 'No Longer On Roll'. Subject to successful dual running in 2006, collection of annual absence data from Secondary Schools via Forvus will be dropped in 2007.

If you need help gathering your exclusions data please contact either:
Sally Moy on 01603 224017 or Dave Pearce on 01603 223610.

What you can do now

It is essential that you read the full DfES guidance, which is available on Teachernet.

Phoenix Schools only

Full Instructions on any required updates, and how to produce and send your September School Census return will shortly be available on the ICT Services website. We would strongly encourage you to do at least one School Census 'dry-run', as per the guidance.

Non-Phoenix Schools

Schools are requested to use their School Census compliant software to produce their School Census return. Non-Phoenix schools will need to contact their appropriate support team.

Please note for schools using Capita Sims software- As for the previous two School Census returns of 2006, Capita Sims software expects the Age at Date to be left at the default of 31/08/2005. We agree that this is a confusing date for a Return completed in academic year 2006/7, but can assure you that 31/08/2005 is the only Age at Date that will provide a Census Return acceptable to the DfES. It is very important for the 'Age at' Date to be set to 31/08/2005 for this Return. If this advice is not followed and the Age at Date is changed from 31/08/2005 to the 31/08/2006 the attendance information for last year's Year 11 Cohort will be omitted from the Return.