This page contains the following guidance for completing the 2026 School Workforce (SWF) Census. It will be updated as and when updates are received from the DfE.
The 2026 School Workforce Census is now available to run.
- Important Dates
- Known Issues
- Resolved Issues
- Read DfE Guidance
- Read Bromcom Guidance
- Book onto a SWF Census Webinar
- Watch Webinar Recordings
- Additional Guidance
Important: To remove any resolved errors or queries, a new Census file must be generated and validated using the Save & Validate button.
Access: The permissions required to run and troubleshoot the SWF Census are found in the Census Module of Config > Setup > Roles and Permissions. Each tick box on the right determines which functions are visible/available on the page for users with the selected Role.
See also: How to get started with Roles & Permissions
Important Dates
- Census Date – Thursday 5th November 2026
- Return Date – Friday 4th December 2026
Known Issues
Please check back in this area for Known Issues.
Resolved Issues
Please check back in this area for Resolved Issues
Read DfE Guidance
The DfE’s guidance on the School Workforce Census is available here.
Important: It is the school’s responsibility to review the DfE guidance to ensure all required information is submitted as part of the School Workforce Census Return.
Read Bromcom Guidance
Click on the links below for Bromcom SWF Census 2026 guidance.
- England 2026 School Workforce Census Guide
- England 2026 School Workforce Census Error Resolutions Guide
In addition to the above guidance, detailed guides covering common errors and queries can found by searching the Help Centre.
Enter the Error or Query Number into the Help Centre search box to find the relevant guide.
Book onto a SWF Census Webinar
To book a place on a free Census webinar, select the relevant link below.
Pre-Census Checks
- Tuesday 13th October 09:30am – 10:45am
- Thursday 22nd October 13:30pm – 14:45pm
- Tuesday 3rd November 13:30pm – 14:45pm
Book a place on the Pre-Census Checks webinar here.
How to Generate a Census
- Tuesday 13th October 11:15am – 12:15pm
- Thursday 22nd October 15:15pm – 16:15pm
- Tuesday 3rd November 15:15pm – 16:15pm
Book a place on the How to Generate a Census webinar here.
Watch Webinar Recordings
Click the links below to watch a recording of the SWF Census 2025 sessions. A name and email address will be required to view the recording.
Check back in this area in October for the 2026 sessions.
Additional Guidance
- How to Add NASENCO Qualification for SENCO Staff
- How to Add a New Member of Staff
- How to Add Supply Staff
- How to Add a Staff Contract and Role
- How to Make a Member of Staff a Leaver
- How to Reinstate Staff Leaver Records
- How to Create a New Base Pay Structure
- How to Merge Duplicate Staff Records
- How to Record Staff Absence