Schools, colleges and local authorities are being urged to check their T Level data before the R04 and autumn school census deadlines, according to a Department for Education update. The department warns that mistakes cannot be corrected in-year once the deadlines have gone by.

Key points

  • T Level data — must be checked before the R04 and autumn school census deadlines, with errors unable to be fixed in-year.
  • Bursaries — applications are open for DfE funded bursaries.
  • High needs places — the notification process for 2027 to 2028 is now open.
  • Free school meals — guidance has been updated for children in families with no recourse to public funds.

The update also covers a refresh of Apprenticeships.GOV.UK and an apprenticeship hiring payment for non-levy employers. Mayoral Strategic Authority apprenticeship brokerage pilots are included, along with resources for promoting apprenticeships and skills and new further education estate management standards.

For academies and local authorities, the department has published updated free school meals guidance for children in families with no recourse to public funds. Local authorities also have updated guidance on food provision for children receiving education otherwise than at school, and the latest budget forecast return data is now available in the Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool.

Other items include an invitation to help shape the digital national curriculum, plus a series of events and webinars. These cover buying help for schools, food and catering buying solutions, Q&A drop-in sessions on the Academies Chart of Accounts and Automation, and accidents and incidents workshops for risk protection arrangement members. School business professionals are also being asked to book regional in-person training.

Editor's comment

What it means in practice

The warning on T Level data is the item most likely to land on a school or college desk this week, because there is no second chance to put mistakes right during the year.

  • Check now, not later — staff who hold T Level records should review them against the census requirements well before the deadlines.
  • Bursaries and meals — families and providers can look at the open bursary applications and the updated free school meals guidance.
  • Diary dates — the webinars and regional training sessions are worth booking if buying, accounts or risk protection work sits with you.