Section 251: 2024 to 2025
Information for local authorities, schools and the general public about local authority education funding and expenditure plans for 2024 to 2025
Applies to England
Documents
Details
Introduction
The COLLECT blade is under development and we expect it will be available mid-May.
You can, however, use the XML generator to prepare your data for uploading.
We have changed the deadline for submitting your section 251 budget return to 31 May 2024.
Section 251 is part of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.
Local authorities submit statements of planned and actual expenditure on education and children’s social care.
The Department for Education uses the data for publishing statistics, constructing benchmarking tables, answering parliamentary questions and responding to other data requests.
Comparing information is important for schools forums and others in discussions about budget levels and use of funds.
Section 251 budget guidance
The administrative direction is a formal request for the collection of section 251 data. It’s prepared on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education.
Read the section 251 budget guidance to find out how local authorities should complete their budget statements.
Use the section 251 XML generator to provide details of actual expenditure for your schools.
Read the COLLECT guidance for section 251 budget to find out how to use the COLLECT system to upload, amend and submit your data.
Last updated 22 April 2024 + show all updates
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- We have added a 'call to action' box on the section 251: 2024 to 2025 landing page to inform readers that the COLLECT blade will be made available mid-May and to advise that the deadline for submitting section 251 returns is 31 May 2024.
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Following an error in the COLLECT guidance attachment, we have edited the document so that it displays the correct instructions.
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Removed example tables
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We have published the COLLECT guidance for section 251 budget for 2024 to 2025.
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First published.