Changes from the previous AP census
Details of what’s changed since the last census.
From the start of the 2026 to 2027 academic year, the Department for Education (DfE) is expanding free school meal (FSM) eligibility to include all pupils in households receiving Universal Credit (UC).
As a result, we have created 2 new data items FSM Eligibility verification check (N00837) and FSM category (N00838) and associated codeset (CS133).
Existing data items
Country of UK (N00277), must now be returned. Previously, a blank field could be submitted.