MIS

Overview

This article explains how to export a School Census file in XML format from Juniper MIS for your Summer 2026 Statutory Return. The Census is completed three times a year, in the Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms. This article focuses on the Summer 2026 Census specifically, including the key dates and changes introduced for this collection.

Registered independent schools do not complete this Census. Instead, they complete a School-Level Annual School Census (SLASC) in the Spring term.

Key dates for Summer 2026

New for Summer 2026

The following changes have been introduced for the 2025 / 2026 collection. An overview of all changes can be found on the GOV.UK website (Changes for 2025 to 2026).

• Data item N00763 (Learner Funding and Monitoring (FAM) Type). The linking code set CS 130 has been created to record English and Maths minimum hours.
• Data item N00764 (Learner Funding and Monitoring (FAM) TypeCode). The linking code set CS117 has been updated to record English and Maths minimum hours.
• Expanded hours (N00787) has been amended to allow up to 30 hours to be claimed, following the policy change from September 2025.

Prerequisites

1. Check your Census details in the MIS are correct before beginning. Confirm that your Institution details, Minimum Year Group, and other key settings are correct (see MIS: How do I check that my Institution details are correct before I run a School Census? for further information).
2. Ensure all pupil data is as accurate and complete as possible before generating the export, as errors found afterwards must be fixed at source in the MIS.
3. You must have the appropriate access permissions to run statutory exports.

Complete the Summer 2026 School Census

Follow these steps to generate and download your Summer 2026 School Census file in an XML format:

1. Select Statutory.
2. Select School Census to open the All Census Exports:
   
3. Select Export Census:
   

4. From Step 1 - Data: 

   

   1. Select the Export type. For the Summer 2026 Census, select Summer before proceeding.
   2. Select Next.

5. From Step 2 - Super Summary, which displays all pupils selected for the School Census alongside their key data fields: 

   

   1. Review the pupil data carefully. Cells highlighted in orange or red indicate a warning or error. Hover over them to view details of what is incorrect or missing:

      
      

      Where possible, fix the errors at source in the MIS before continuing. You can proceed and fix them in the output file, but fixing them in the MIS is strongly recommended.

      To remove a pupil from the export, uncheck the box next to their name, then select Reload Page:

      Pay particular attention to the EYPPR and EYPPBF columns for Early Years pupils, as both data items have been extended to 9-month-olds for Summer 2026 and are now collected termly.

   2. Select Next.

6. From Step 3 – Additional Information:

   

   1. Confirm which pupils took a school lunch on Census Day. 

      • Filter the list by Year Group or Class using the Filters. All pupils are selected by default. 
      • Uncheck any pupil who did not take a school lunch.

      Census Day for Summer 2026 is Thursday 21 May 2026. Make sure lunch data reflects that specific day.

   2. Select Next.
7. Step 4 – Exporting opens. A progress bar appears while the Census file is generated. This step takes a few seconds. Wait for it to complete.

8. Step 5 – Result opens when the export is complete. It comprises four tabs: 

   

   1. Review each of the first three tabs:

      • The School Summary Report displays your School Census data in DfE format. The report header shows the collection name (School Census Collection: Summer 2026), the version number, and a count of any errors and queries. 

        Review this carefully before downloading.

        To print a copy from your browser, press Ctrl + P.

      • The Validation Report shows any errors or warnings identified at school level:

        

        Review these and return to the MIS to fix them at source where possible.

      • The Validation Errors List shows pupil-level errors and warnings, including detailed descriptions of what is wrong. This is the most detailed view for identifying data issues before submission:

        

        We strongly recommend fixing all errors at source in the MIS before downloading and submitting the output file.

   2. When you are satisfied with the content of your submission, having made any necessary changes in your MIS, select the File Download tab, then select Download export to save your submission file:

      

Outcome

The XML file is saved to the Downloads folder on your device and is ready for submission to the DfE. It's contents will be similar to that shown below:

The DfE deadline for Summer 2026 returns is Wednesday 17 June 2026.

If you need to download the Census file again in the future, you can do so by selecting Download next to the relevant export from All Census Exports (see MIS: How do I view old School Census files?).

Best practices

1. Run the Census Export well before the DfE deadline so you have time to identify and fix any validation errors at source in the MIS, re-export, and submit a clean file.
2. If you are unsure whether a data item is required for your school type, refer to the DfE's guidance on the GOV. UK website (Complete the school Census).

Next steps

After downloading your XML file:

1. If your validation report contains errors, resolve them in the MIS, re-run the export, and submit the updated file.
2. When your submission is completed and correct, log in to the DfE's COLLECT portal to upload and submit your return before the deadline of Wednesday 17 June 2026. 

Any queries identified can be addressed in COLLECT via an approved notepad entry. See the GOV.UK website guidance in Complete the school Census, in the section Adding explanation notes for queries for more information.

Related information

• MIS: How do I check that my Institution details are correct before I run a School Census?
• MIS: How do I view old School Census files?
• Complete the school Census (GOV.UK website).
• Changes to the school Census for 2025 to 2026 (GOV.UK website).

Updated 15 May 2026 11:46