New Education Regulations in Wales: Independent Schools Required to Share Student Information

Starting April 8, 2025, new regulations under the Education Act 1996 will come into force, impacting independent schools across Wales. These regulations, named the Education (Information about Children in Independent Schools) (Pilot) (Wales) Regulations 2025, require independent school proprietors to disclose specific student information to local authorities.

Key Details:

• Effective Date: The regulations will be effective from April 8, 2025, ceasing on May 20, 2025.
• Who is Affected: Proprietors of independent schools in Wales.
• Requirements: By May 20, 2025, proprietors must provide local authorities with specified information about registered students.
• Information to be Disclosed:
  • Child's name (including any previous names)
  • Address (or last known address), with postcode
  • Date of birth

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that local authorities have access to essential information about children residing within their areas who are attending independent schools. This pilot initiative aims to improve the regulatory framework surrounding student data management in education.

Pilot Local Authorities: The regulations specifically involve the following local authorities:

• Rhondda Cynon Taf
• Cardiff
• Carmarthenshire
• Monmouthshire
• Gwynedd
• Powys
• Isle of Anglesey

Background and Compliance: The regulations were drafted after considering the Welsh Ministers' Code of Practice on carrying out Regulatory Impact Assessments. This process assesses the costs and benefits of complying with the new regulations.

For more detailed information, copies of the regulatory impact assessment can be obtained from the Welsh Government's Fairness in Education division or accessed online at the Welsh Government's official website.

This initiative reflects Wales' commitment to enhancing educational oversight and ensuring all children receive appropriate educational support, regardless of the type of school they attend.