When you submit your school census data on COLLECT, the system runs a number of validation checks against the data. It will highlight any errors or queries in red against the relevant data item.

You will get an error when data rules are broken, for example:

• the return contains an ‘illegal character’
• a value may be out of range
• data is missing

You must correct all errors.  For a full breakdown of all Census error codes please click here

You will get a query where the data is unusual or unexpected which could mean an inaccuracy or omission in the data, for example, where:

• no pupils are reported as having special educational needs
• there is a probability of data being omitted such as suspensions or permanent exclusions

You must investigate all queries and either:

• amend the data
• provide suitable notepad explanations in COLLECT.  Please click here for a list of suitable notepad entries