Prepare for the FE data collection – dry run 2026 to 2027
How further education (FE) colleges can prepare to meet DfE requirements for granular spend submissions in the dry run data collection for 2026 to 2027.
Applies to England
FE colleges must now submit granular actual spend information to the Department for Education (DfE) more regularly through the government financial year.
The government financial year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
We are running a dry run data collection, so both DfE and the sector can test the processes required to meet central government financial reporting obligations. We have prepared a chart of accounts mapping spreadsheet to help with your submission.
This follows the reclassification of colleges and their subsidiaries into the central government sector by the Office for National Statistics in 2022.
We expect to launch the data collection process in June 2026. We will give detailed information and a deadline when the submission window opens.
For now, you should:
- read our , to understand what the chart of accounts is for and its structure
- map your account codes to the FE chart of accounts
Complete the mapping worksheet
When you complete the submissions, you will map your existing local codes to the standardised chart of accounts codes.
You should begin developing your local mappings to the DfE chart of accounts codes as early as possible, before we release the data collection form. Preparing early will help to make the submission process smooth.
Use the to do this. This has 3 tabs, which show:
- initial instructions and a disclaimer
- a list of codes, on the ‘chart of accounts’ tab
- the worksheet to complete, on the ‘mapping’ tab
The mapping section of the guidance document explains how to complete the worksheet.
You should only need to complete the mapping exercise once. You will only need to update it if you introduce new account codes into your financial system.
Get support
Join a webinar
We are hosting a series of webinars in April 2026, to help you to prepare for the chart of accounts.
These calls will:
- give an overview of the chart of accounts
- walk through the codes and mapping you need
- outline what we expect from your submissions
- give you a chance to ask questions
They are on:
- 21 April, at 10am
- 22 April, at 2pm
- 23 April, at 10am
- 28 April, at 2pm
- 29 April, at 10am
- 30 April, at 2pm
Register for a call on Eventbrite. Your confirmation email will include instructions on how to join the call.
We will host more calls during the launch period, and each time we collect data.
Get other support
If you have any queries, contact us through the customer help portal and:
- select the query type ‘DfE returns and data requests’
- select ‘Financial returns’ and ‘Other’
- enter “FE data collection – dry run” in the ‘Add a short title’ field