Schools collect a range of data on an annual basis, such as:

· Unique pupil number

· Forename

· Middle name(s)

· Surname                                                                     

· Gender

· DOB

· Home postcode

· Ethnic background

· Eligibility for free school meals

· Additional learning needs

· English as an additional language

· Attendance code for each half day session in that week

Section 538 of the Education Act 1996 provides the legal basis for collecting this data.

This requires schools to make such reports and returns, and give such information, to Welsh ministers as they may require for their functions in relation to education.