School census requirements

It is vital that schools record and submit information on the ethnic background and first language of their Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) pupils accurately for School Census purposes.  The ethnic categories and language codes used by the DCSF are the same as those used in the 2001 national population census and copies can be located in the Induction Package link on these EAL webpages.

The School Census information forms the core of the Local Authority’s comprehensive and secure statistical database which makes it possible to identify and analyse the achievement and progress of BME pupils.  Hence it is possible to develop effective strategies to support schools with the development, implementation and monitoring of all aspects of policy related to race equality.  The School Census data is therefore used as the key criteria for devolving central support to schools.

There is no requirement for schools to submit information regarding a pupil’s nationality.  The accurate recording of first languages therefore provides essential information on the development of BME and pupil communities in the County, as well as enabling decisions to be made on the production and deployment of bilingual resources.

DCSF Ethnicity Codes and Language Codes are available to print from this website.