School capacity survey: guide for local authorities
How local authorities should submit data for the annual school capacity survey (SCAP).
The annual school capacity survey (SCAP) collects information on:
- primary, secondary, and specialist provision capacity for the current academic year
- mainstream primary pupil number forecasts for the next 5 academic years
- pupil number forecasts for primary specialist placements for the next 5 academic years
- mainstream secondary pupil number forecasts for the next 7 academic years
- pupil number forecasts for secondary specialist placements for the next 7 academic years
- plans for changes to the number of primary and secondary mainstream places for the next 3 academic years
The survey takes place every year in June and July.
SCAP is a statutory collection. You must complete statutory collections by law unless there’s a good reason not to.
Important dates
2024 SCAP dates:
- collection opens on Monday 3 June
- deadline for submitting your data is Friday 26 July
Submit your data
You’ll need to:
- register and log in with DfE Sign-in
- use COLLECT to submit your data
SCAP 2024 documents
Our guidance will help you complete the 2024 school capacity collection:
If you need help
DfE Sign-in
Read the help page for guidance on DfE Sign-in.
COLLECT
Use the service request form for:
- issues accessing COLLECT
- any technical problems
Data issues
Email SCAP.PPP@education.gov.uk for advice on the SCAP guidance or any other issues.
Updates to this page
Last updated 1 May 2024 + show all updates
-
Updated with information for the 2024 school capacity survey (SCAP). The 'survey guide for local authorities' and 'forecasting demand for SEND provision for SCAP24' documents have been updated.
-
Added summary guide for local authorities.
-
Updated the page with information for the 2023 survey. Added 'School Capacity (SCAP) Survey 2023: guide for local authorities' and removed the 2022 guide. Also added 'Forecasting demand for SEND provision for SCAP23'.
-
Added 'School Capacity (SCAP) Survey 2022: guide for local authorities' and removed the 2021 guide.
-
Added 2022 dates to 'Important dates'.
-
Added advice for local authorities on structuring planning areas to help prepare for the 2022 collection.
-
First published.