Census dates

Find out when you'll need to submit data to us.

Local authorities should work closely with AP providers to make sure that:

  • all pupils who are in scope for the AP census are included in the return
  • data supplied from AP providers is correct

Census day

The AP census day is Thursday 15 January 2026.

Collection period

The collection period is 17 January 2025 to 15 January 2026 inclusive.

Deadline date

The deadline date for the AP census is Friday 27 February 2026.

Local authorities must submit their census return by this date.