School capacity survey: guide for local authorities

The annual school capacity survey (SCAP) collects information on:

• primary and secondary school capacity for the current academic year
• primary pupil number forecasts for the next 5 academic years
• secondary pupil number forecasts for the next 7 academic years
• plans for changes to the number of primary and secondary places for the next 3 academic years

Survey returns must include mainstream schools with capacity in any of the year groups from reception to year 11 on 1 May. This includes:

• local authority maintained schools
• academies, including:
  • free schools
  • city technology colleges
  • university technical colleges
  • studio schools

The survey takes place every year in June and July.

SCAP is a statutory collection. You must complete statutory collections by law unless there’s a good reason not to.

Important dates

2022 SCAP dates:

• collection opens on Monday 6 June
• deadline for submitting your data is Friday 29 July

Submit your data

You’ll need to:

• register and log in with DfE Sign-in
• use COLLECT to submit your data

SCAP21 documents

Our guidance will help you complete the 2021 school capacity collection:

• survey guide for local authorities (PDF, 1.02 MB, 48 pages)
• forecasting guide (PDF, 970 KB, 22 pages)
• COLLECT guides

SCAP22 documents

Our guidance will help you complete the 2022 school capacity collection:

• local authority pupil planning areas guide (PDF, 353 KB, 26 pages)
• COLLECT guides

Do you need help?

DfE Sign-in

Read the help page for guidance on DfE Sign-in.

COLLECT

Use the service request form for:

• issues accessing COLLECT
• any technical problems

Data issues

Email SCAP.PPP@education.gov.uk for advice on the SCAP guidance or any other issues.