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Guidance

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.

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