This page contains guidance for completing the Spring 2025 School Census. It will be updated as and when we receive updates from DfE.
The Spring 2025 School Census file is now available to run.
RESOLVED ERRORS AND QUERIES: in order for any resolved errors or queries to be removed from the list of errors or queries you would need to generate a new Census return and remember to use save & validate for the errors/queries to update/clear.
Access: The permissions required to run and troubleshoot the Spring 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 16 January 2025
Return date – Wednesday 12 February 2025
Known Issues
Census error 2378 – School arranged alternative provision (AP) placement leaving date on census reference date (16/01/2025) – Workaround is to remove the leaving date, run the census, then re-add the leaving date
Class Name not mandatory when completing the Spring Census – but this leads to the class not being in the File. Solution: populate the class name (though this should be mandatory and you shouldn’t be able to save without this added)
Resolved Issues
Census errors 1845, 1852, 3110 and 3140 Extended childcare hours not coming through to the census file
Census errors 2475 , 2490 and 2531 – Using a multi-character code, such as “Y7” or “C2” brings up errors 2475, 2490 and 2531 incorrectly, as they aren’t being recognised as valid codes by the Census
Census errors 3031 and 3100 <ExpandedHours> tag not returned
Census error 5230 <DAFIndicator> missing in file
Census Reference Time not correct when running Spring 2025 Census.
Pupils aged 9mo – 2yr missing from Pupil Reconciliation when running Census
Read DfE Guidance
DfE guidance about the Census is published here including the main changes compared to previous years.
For DfE guidance on generating and submitting a return see here.
Book onto a Census Overview Webinar
You can book onto one of our free Census Webinars below, there are several dates available for each session. Click on the links below;
Book onto a Secondary Census Webinar
Tuesday 7th January 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Tuesday 14th January 9:30am – 11:30am
Book onto a Primary Census Webinar
Wednesday 8th January 9:30am – 11:30am
Monday 13th January 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Read the Bromcom Guidance
Please see below Bromcom guidance for Spring 2025
How to run the Spring Census Guide 2025 Version 4 updated 21.1.25
Spring Census Error Resolutions Guide 2025
In addition you can now search for detailed guidance on resolving the most common errors or queries in our Help Centre.
Simply type in the Error or Query Number into the Search box
Watch Webinar Recordings
Please see the link below to watch a recordings of a recent Spring 2025 Live Webinars. You will need to enter your name and email address to view the recording.
Primary Census Watch Live Webinar Recording
Secondary Census Watch Live Webinar Recording
Daily Drop in Sessions
For users who have attended one of our Spring Census Webinars but still have follow up questions, we will be hosting daily Drop in Sessions in January as below
- Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 10:00am-11:00am
- Tuesday & Thursday: 2:00pm-3:00pm
To attend a Drop in Session, click either of the links below to join a session.
Additional Guidance
For recording children receiving free school meals under the criteria for families with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) See DfE guidance Free School Meal eligibility.
For Census Reporting see How to View Census Reports
For Pupil Premium see How to Manage Pupil Premium Students
For Attendance Reporting see How to Access Attendance Analysis Exports and How to Access Attendance Reports