Use the DfE post-16 census tool
Check your post-16 census data and reduce common errors.
Applies to England
Access the post-16 census tool
The post-16 interactive census tool opens and runs within your browser.
Reduce common errors
Some institutions risk not getting the funding they should because of inaccurate data returns.
The tool supports you to return accurate post-16 school census data by helping you understand common errors and how they impact on the funding we calculate. It will be particularly useful to business managers and staff responsible for preparing and submitting the autumn school census return.
Understand how we use your data
Use our post-16 interactive census tool to understand how we use your data to calculate your 16 to 19 funding. The tool describes each element of the 16 to 19 funding formula (student numbers and retention rate for example) and which parts of the census data we use for each element. Each element is illustrated with example data.
Contact us
If you have questions after reading this information, or if there is anything else you need help with, you can find more support in our customer help centre.
Updates to this page
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Updated the school census interactive tool for the 2026 to 2027 funding year. The revisions reflect changes to national funding rates and the large programme uplift, and the introduction of the high value courses premium for construction.
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The following updates have been made to the post-16 school census interactive tool: - general updates to roll forward dates - updating national funding rates - updating programme cost weighting - adding information and examples to cover the new condition of funding minimum hour FAM codes
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First published.