Number of pupils in Wirral Schools

Number on Roll (NOR)

The Local Authority normally undertakes pupil counts each year in the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. The Spring Term Pupil Count takes place on the 3rd Thursday after the start of the term in January.

Data from the January pupil count (the School Census) is used nationally by the Department for Education (DfE) for funding, planning and statistical purposes and this is mirrored by the Local Authority. January numbers are used in Forecasting, Place Planning and for school funding.

Prior to 2001 data was collected at School Level – schools sent back a paper form called 'Form 7' listing how many pupils they had split by age. From 2002 onwards the paper Form 7 return was replaced by an electronic return that collects data at Pupil Level – this was called the Pupil Level Annual School Census (PLASC) but has subsequently evolved into a more extensive return called the School Census.

The Local Authority receives details of pupils from the electronic database of each school (with some exceptions) and this is aggregated to provide the Pupil Count summary.

Pupil Count:

Please note that the Census does not include Academy schools.

If you have any queries about pupil numbers or the School Census please contact Simon Douglas, Information Officer, on tel. (0151) 666 4412 or email: simondouglas@wirral.gov.uk