2026 Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) Guidelines 08 October 2025

The NCCD Guidelines have been updated to ensure they remain current, accurate, and accessible. The Guidelines apply from the 2026 School Census, remaining in effect until updated or replaced by subsequent guidelines.

Visit the NCCD Portal to download the NCCD Guidelines: Effective 2026 Onward.

✅ Important: There are no changes to the NCCD process for 2026.

What’s New in the 2026 Guidelines?

• Consultation requirements

Schools must now document reasons if they do not consult with a parent, guardian or carer before making adjustments for a student (Refer to Section C.2.3).

• Clarification on Timing of Adjustments

The Guidelines state that adjustments do not need to occur every day over the 10-week period, the weeks may be non-consecutive, and any amount of adjustment within a school week counts as a ‘week’. They now clarify that this flexibility does not apply to Extensive adjustments, which must be in place at all times (Refer to Section C.3.1).

• Guidance on Imputing Disability

Before making the decision to impute disability, the school team confirms that adjustments are due to disability—not academic performance, learning difficulties, or external factors such as limited attendance or family disruption (Refer to Section C.4.2).

• Examples of supporting evidence

The Guidelines now include clear examples, such as an Individual Learning Plan, to help support a student’s inclusion in the NCCD (Refer to Section C.5.1).

Supporting Resources

To help you implement these updates:

Updated Quick Guide
A refreshed version summarising key requirements.
📄 Download the NCCD Quick Guide.

Evidence Management Template
Optional tool to help you record, manage and assess evidence.
📄 Access the Template.

Online Guidance
Practical advice and guidance now available.
📄 Visit the NCCD Guidelines webpage.

About the Guidelines
The NCCD Guidelines are the official source of information on:

• How to submit NCCD data
• Which students must be counted
• What information must be provided for each student.

For a quick overview, check the NCCD Quick Guide.

Have Questions?
Contact the NCCD Support Team at: NCCDSupport@education.gov.au.