This History video introduces teachers to the use of census records as primary sources for investigating local history and understanding how communities have changed over time. It explains what the census is, how it has been used in England, Wales and Scotland since 1801, and how records from 1841 to 1921 are now available for historical research. Teachers will learn how to guide pupils in examining census data to trace changes in occupation, population, housing, and migration, and how to access and interpret this information through national and local archives.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s History scheme – Census. It supports teachers in delivering inquiry-led lessons by providing practical guidance on using census returns and complementary sources. Teachers are shown how to scaffold investigations around big questions and tailor them to their local area, encouraging pupils to think critically about historical evidence and changes in their community.

History, Upper key stage 2, Year 6, *New* What can the census tell us about local areas? Lesson 6: Who lived in our local area in the past?