Section 251: 2025 to 2026

Introduction 

Section 251 is part of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. 

Local authorities submit statements of planned and actual expenditure on education and children’s social care. 

The Department for Education uses the data for publishing statistics, constructing benchmarking tables, answering parliamentary questions and responding to other data requests. 

Comparing information is important for schools forums and others in discussions about budget levels and use of funds. 

Section 251 budget guidance 

The administrative direction is a formal request for the collection of section 251 data. It’s prepared on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education. 

Read the section 251 budget guidance to find out how local authorities should complete their budget statements. 

Use the section 251 XML generator to provide details of actual expenditure for your schools.

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