Use the ESFA post-16 census tool
Check your post-16 census data and reduce common errors.
Applies to England
Access the post-16 census tool
For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, the post-16 census tool opens and runs within your browser. We have changed from a downloadable Microsoft Excel file to improve accessibility and be compliant with government publishing standards.
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.