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

• primary, secondary, and specialist provision capacity for the current academic year
• mainstream primary pupil number forecasts for the next 5 academic years
• pupil number forecasts for primary specialist placements for the next 5 academic years
• mainstream secondary pupil number forecasts for the next 7 academic years
• pupil number forecasts for secondary specialist placements for the next 7 academic years
• plans for changes to the number of primary and secondary mainstream places for the next 3 academic years

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

20242025 SCAP dates:

• collection opens on Monday 32 June
• deadline for submitting your data is Friday 2625 July

Submit your data

You’ll need to:

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

SCAP 20242025 documents

Our guidance will help you complete the 20242025 school capacity collection:

• summary guide for local authorities (PDF, 197 KB, 14 pages)
• survey guide for local authorities (PDF, 712441 KB, 5154 pages)
• local authority pupil planning areas guide (PDF, 353 KB, 26 pages)
• forecasting demand for SEND provision for SCAP24SCAP 2025 (PDF, 484323 KB, 2324 pages)
• COLLECT guides

If 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.