Adult education budget: funding and performance management rules 2022 to 2023

Q: Contacting us

You can contact us through our enquiry form . You can also contact your territorial lead.

Q: UK nationals and other persons with right of abode

UK nationals or other person with a right of abode [footnote 1] who have been ordinarily resident in the UK, or the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning. The British Overseas Territories are listed in annex A .

Question 1

What’s new?

Accepted Answer

Main changes since the previous update of the publication of 2022 to 2023 version 2 in March 2022:

updated the AEB over delivery threshold from 3% to 10% in both the AEB Grant and Procured AEB sections
added reference to the Earnings Boost, with links to the relevant section in the funding rates and formula guidance
confirmed extension of Procured AEB contracts to allow for completion of learners

Please also note the ‘summary of main changes since funding rules 2021 to 2022’.

Question 2

Devolution of adult education functions

Accepted Answer

The devolution of adult education functions to specified combined authorities and the Mayor of London will apply in relation to the funding year from 1 August 2022. The following Combined Authorities will exercise, in relation to their area, certain adult education functions of the Secretary of State under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. This transfer of functions has been achieved by way of orders made under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009:

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (SI 2018/1141)
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (SI 2018/1142)
The West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (SI 2018/1143)
The West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (SI 2018/1144)
The Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (SI 2018/1145)
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 (SI 2018/1146)
The Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2019 (SI 2019/1457)
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SI 2020/806)
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (SI 2021/112)

A delegation of those functions has been made in relation to the Mayor of London, under section 39A of the Greater London Authority Act 1999. Both the transfer of the functions to the specified combined authorities and the delegation of those functions in relation to the Mayor of London is referred to in this document as the devolution of adult education.

Further information for each combined authority can be found via the Local Government Association website.

Where relevant in this document, specified combined authorities and the Mayor of London will be referred to as ‘devolved authorities’ or ‘devolved authority area’.

Since 1 August 2019 devolved authorities with responsibilities for adult education for their residents and associated budgets have published their own funding rules, for those providers in receipt of devolved AEB funding, for AEB delivery to residents in their areas.

As a result of these changes, the content and requirements set out in this document only apply to:

individuals resident in areas of England outside of the devolved authority areas undertaking ESFA funded AEB provision
continuing AEB funded individuals who are resident in devolved authority areas, who have not completed their learning by 31 July 2022, but started their learning before that authority’s devolution date
learners resident in England, including those resident in a devolved authority area, undertaking a 19 to 24 traineeship programme

Question 3

Introduction and purpose of the document

Accepted Answer

This document sets out the ESFA AEB funding rules for the 2022 to 2023 funding year (1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023). These rules contain conditions of funding (in accordance with section 101 of the Apprenticeships Skills Children and Learning Act 2009 and section 16 of the Education Act 2002) and apply to all providers who receive ESFA funded AEB from the Secretary of State for Education acting through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

ESFA funded AEB aims to engage adults and provide the skills and learning they need to progress into, or within, work; or equip them for an apprenticeship or other learning. It enables more flexible tailored programmes of learning to be made available, which may or may not require a qualification, to help eligible learners engage in learning, build confidence, and/or enhance their wellbeing.

Providers must have due regard to the skills analysis and priorities of Local Enterprise Partnership(s).

Where there is an approved local skills improvement plan for the specified area, the relevant provider must consider that plan when making decisions about English-funded post-16 technical education or training.

These rules do not apply to:

apprenticeships
advanced learner loans
skills bootcamps
multiply
education and training services funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) / HMT Guarantee
individuals resident in a devolved authority area, unless they meet the criteria for continuing learners in the second paragraph of the who we fund section, or are undertaking a 19 to 24 traineeship programme

This document forms part of the terms and conditions of funding and you must read them in conjunction with your funding agreement. You must operate within the terms and conditions of the funding agreement, these rules, and the Individualised Learner Record (ILR) specification. If you do not, you are in breach of your funding agreement with us.

All information, including hyperlinks were correct when we published this document.

ESFA reserves the right to make changes to these rules.

Question 4

How this document can help you

Accepted Answer

There are 3 sections in the funding rules that contain general funding requirements, ESFA funded AEB and traineeship programme specific rules. We added a further section on performance management in October.

Each section may include:

the context of the rule in a box, or set out in a table, and/or
the rule(s) itself

We have included a glossary to explain technical terms.

We have included a summary of changes to explain new policy rules and amendments that differ from 2021 to 2022.

Question 5

Understanding the terminology

Accepted Answer

The term ‘we’ refers to the Secretary of State for Education, acting through ESFA, an executive agency sponsored by the Department for Education (DfE).

When we refer to ‘you’ or ‘providers’, this includes colleges, higher education institutions, training organisations, local authorities and employers who receive ESFA funded AEB from us to deliver education and training to learners set out in the who we fund section.

We will use the generic term ‘you’ or ‘provider’ unless the requirements only apply to a specific provider type. We use the term ‘funding agreement’ to include:

financial memorandum
conditions of funding (grant)
contract for services
conditions of funding (grant) – employer

We use the terms ‘individual’ and ‘learner’ to cover those whose provision is funded by us.

When we refer to ‘ESFA funded AEB’ this is funding you can claim from us for delivery of AEB provision, and/or the traineeship programme to learners set out in the who we fund section. Please also refer to the ‘devolution of adult education functions’ section.

We use the term ‘provision’ or ‘learning’ or ‘learning aims’ to refer to ESFA funded AEB, whether it is a regulated qualification, or other learning that is not a regulated qualification.

If we refer to qualifications, either these will be from the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) or an Access to Higher Education Diploma recognised and regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

If we refer to ‘learning aims’, we mean a single episode of learning which could be a regulated qualification, a component of a regulated qualification or non-regulated learning.

If we refer to ‘programmes’, we mean a coherent package of learning which may include regulated qualifications, components of regulated qualifications or non-regulated learning with clearly stated aims supporting agreed outcomes.

We may refer to this document as ‘funding rules’ or ‘the rules’.

Question 6

Contacting us

Accepted Answer

You can contact us through our enquiry form. You can also contact your territorial lead.

Question 7

Principles of funding

Accepted Answer

These rules apply in relation to all learners starting new ESFA funded AEB learning aims on or after 1 August 2022 and continuing learners as referenced in the who we fund section.

You must not transfer funding between the following budgets:

ESFA funded AEB
19 to 24 traineeship programmes
level 3 FCFJ
apprenticeships
advanced learner loans bursary fund
advanced learner loan facility
skills bootcamps
multiply

We will review and monitor whether ESFA funded AEB provision you provide represents good value for money. If we consider that funding is significantly more than the cost of providing education and training, we may reduce your funding after consulting with you.

Failure to comply with funding rules could lead to action or intervention. Our policies and guidance about the oversight of providers have been updated and were published in August 2019 (last updated July 2021). The triggers for action and the type of action we may take is set out in these documents and is in accordance with provisions in our Grant Agreements and Contracts for Services:

Question 8

Who we fund

Accepted Answer

We will fund:

individuals resident in areas of England outside of devolved authority areas undertaking ESFA funded AEB
continuing learners who are resident in devolved authority areas, who have not completed their learning by 31 July 2022, but started their learning before the authorities’ devolution date with providers who have an Education and Skills Funding agreement (grant) only
learners resident in England, including those resident in a devolved authority area, undertaking a 19 to 24 traineeship programme

You must check the eligibility of a learner, including where in England they are resident, at the start of each learning aim, or their traineeship programme, and only claim funding for ESFA funded AEB for eligible learners. Please refer to the glossary definition of ‘learner residency’ and the devolution postcode checker data set.

In addition to the criteria in the who we fund section, to be ESFA funded, on the first day of learning a learner must:

be aged 19 or older on 31 August within the 2022 to 2023 funding year or,
start a 16 to 18 traineeship programme on or after 1 August of the funding year in which they have their 16th birthday and before the funding year in which they turn 19, if you have a 16 to 19 traineeship funding agreement without a 16 to 19 study programme

The age of the learner on 31 August in the funding year determines whether the learner is funded through ESFA’s AEB funding methodology (for individuals aged 19 and over), or the 16 to 19-year-olds funding methodology (for individuals aged 16 to 19 and those aged 19 to 24 with an education health and care plan).

All individuals aged 19 or over on 31 August who are continuing a programme they began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuers’) will be funded through the 16 to 19-year-olds funding methodology.

Learners will be eligible for ESFA funded AEB for the whole of the learning aim or programme if they are eligible for funding at the start, even if the duration is for over one year. You must reassess the learner for any further learning they start.

If an individual starts a learning aim or programme and is not eligible for funding, we will not fund their learning while they remain ineligible.

You must not fund a learner who is unable to complete a learning aim or programme of study in the time they have available. Any learner of any age must be able to achieve the learning aim or programme of study within the time they have available.

Question 9

Residency eligibility

Accepted Answer

Individuals will be eligible for ESFA funded AEB if they meet the criteria in the ‘who we fund’ section, the learning is taking place in England, and they fulfil the residency requirements set out in one or more of the categories below.

Question 10

UK nationals and other persons with right of abode

Accepted Answer

UK nationals or other person with a right of abode^{[footnote 1]} who have been ordinarily resident in the UK, or the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.

The British Overseas Territories are listed in annex A.

Question 11

UK nationals in the EEA and Switzerland

Accepted Answer

UK nationals and their family members who:

resided in the EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 (or resident in the UK, having moved there from the EEA or Switzerland after 31 December 2017), and
resided in the EEA, Switzerland, Gibraltar or the UK for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and
remained ordinarily resident in the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA or Switzerland between 31 December 2020 and the start of the course and
the course starting before January 2028^{[footnote 2]}

The EEA includes all the countries and territories listed in annex A.

Question 12

EEA and Switzerland nationals in the UK with EU Settlement Scheme

Accepted Answer

EEA and Switzerland nationals who have obtained either pre-settled or settled status under EUSS, and have lived continuously in the EEA, Switzerland, Gibraltar, or the UK for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.

The EEA includes all the countries and territories listed in annex A.

Question 13

Irish citizens in UK or Ireland

Accepted Answer

Irish citizens in the UK or Ireland who have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands, and/or Ireland for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.

Question 14

Irish citizens in EEA and Switzerland

Accepted Answer

Irish citizens who:

resided in the EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 (or resident in the UK, having moved to the UK from EEA or Switzerland after 31 December 2017), and
resided in the EEA, Switzerland, Gibraltar or the UK for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and
remained ordinarily resident in the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA or Switzerland between 31 December 2020 and the start of the course and
the course starting before January 2028

The EEA includes all the countries and territories listed in annex A.

Question 15

Other non-UK nationals

Accepted Answer

Non-UK nationals who have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and:

have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for educational purposes only, or
have obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS

Question 16

Family members of EU nationals

Accepted Answer

A ‘family member’ is the husband, wife, civil partner, child, grandchild, dependent parent or grandparent of an EU national (principal). A family member is eligible for funding if:

where required to do so, they have obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS, and
the EU national (principal) has obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS and has been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA and/or Switzerland for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning

Question 17

Family members of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

Accepted Answer

Family members of an eligible person of Northern Ireland^{[footnote 3]} (principal) are eligible for funding if:

they have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020 and
they have obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS, and
the eligible person of Northern Ireland (principal) has been ordinarily resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning

Question 18

Joining family members under the EU Settlement Scheme

Accepted Answer

Family members of an EEA or Swiss national can apply to EUSS^{[footnote 4]} after 30 June 2021, if they are joining them in the UK on or after 1 April 2021. They have 3 months to apply to EUSS from the date they arrive in the UK. They will have temporary protection and therefore be eligible for funding during those 3 months and pending the outcome of any EUSS application made during that period (and of any appeal).

The joining family member must also be ordinarily resident in the UK, Gibraltar, EEA, and/or Switzerland for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.

Question 19

Late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme

Accepted Answer

The closing date for EUSS was 30 June 2021 (except for joining family members of EEA or Swiss nationals). After this date, EEA and Swiss nationals applying for courses starting in the 2021 to 2022 academic year and beyond are generally eligible for funding only if they have been granted pre-settled or settled status under EUSS.

However, there may be individuals who have reasonable grounds for making a late application to EUSS and, there may also be some individuals who have made an EUSS application on time, but are still waiting on a final decision on their status from the Home Office, including those that have lodged an appeal. Once a valid application has been made to EUSS (evidenced by receipt of a certificate of application), the applicant will have temporary protection, pending the outcome of that application.

These individuals may be eligible for funding if they:

have been ordinarily resident in the relevant area for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning, and
have a certificate of application, and
are family members of EEA/Swiss nationals (if applicable)

Question 20

Individuals with certain types of immigration status and their family members

Accepted Answer

Any individual with any of the statuses listed below, or leave under the listed schemes, is eligible to receive funding and is exempt from the 3-year residency requirement rule:

Refugee status
Discretionary leave to enter or remain
Exceptional leave to enter or remain
Indefinite leave to enter or remain^{[footnote 5]}
Humanitarian protection
Leave outside the rules
Ukraine Family Scheme
Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
Ukraine Extension Scheme
The husband, wife, civil partner or child of any of the above in the first 9 bullet points in this list
Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave^{[footnote 6]}
Calais leave to remain^{[footnote 7]}
British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan under Operation Pitting
British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan by the UK government before 6 January 2022

In relation to the above categories, you must have seen the learner’s immigration permission. This would include the biometric residence permit (BRP) and in some cases an accompanying letter from the Home Office.

Question 21

Extension or variation of current immigration permission

Accepted Answer

Any learner or family member who has applied for an extension or variation of their current immigration permission in the UK is still treated as if they have that leave. This only applies if the application was made before their current permission expired. Their leave continues until the Home Office decide on their immigration application. Their leave will continue where they have appealed or sought an administrative review of their case within the time allowed to them for doing so.

Therefore, a learner or family member is considered to still have the immigration permission that they held when they made their application for an extension, administrative review or appeal, and their eligibility would be based upon this status.

You may wish to find information, advice and support on eligibility from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

The learner’s immigration permission in the UK may have a ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition. Public funds do not include education or education funding. Therefore, this does not affect a learner’s eligibility, which must be decided under the normal eligibility conditions.

Question 22

Children of Turkish workers

Accepted Answer

A child of a Turkish worker is eligible if both the following apply:

the Turkish worker is ordinarily resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 and has Turkish European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) rights or extended ECAA leave and
the child has been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA and/or Turkey for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and is resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020

Question 23

Asylum seekers

Accepted Answer

Asylum seekers are eligible to receive funding if they:

have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer while their claim is being considered by the Home Office, and no decision on their claim has been made, or
are receiving local authority support under section 23C or section 23CA of the Children Act 1989 or the Care Act 2014

An individual who has been refused asylum will be eligible if:

they have appealed against a decision made by the UK government against granting refugee status and no decision has been made within 6 months of lodging the appeal, or
they are granted support for themselves under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or
are receiving local authority support for themselves under section 23C or section 23CA of the Children Act 1989

Question 24

Persons granted stateless leave

Accepted Answer

A person granted stateless leave is a person who:

has extant leave to remain as a stateless person under the immigration rules (within the meaning given in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971); and
has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since the person was granted such leave

A stateless person must:

be ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of the first funding year of the course; and
have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first funding year of the course

Certain family members are also eligible under this category if:

the spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave (and who was the spouse or civil partner of that person on the leave application date), who is ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of the first funding year of the course, and who has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3-year period preceding the first day of the first funding year of the course; or
the child of a stateless person or of the stateless person’s spouse or civil partner (and who was the child of that stateless person or the child of the stateless person’s spouse or civil partner on the leave application date), was under 18 on the leave application date, is ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of the first funding year of the course, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the 3 year period preceding the first day of the first funding year of the course

“Leave application date” means the date on which a person is granted stateless leave made an application to remain in the UK as a stateless person under the immigration rules (within the meaning given in section 33(1) of the Immigration Act 1971).

Question 25

Individuals who are not eligible for funding

Accepted Answer

You must not claim funding for individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria set out in the residency eligibility section (from ‘overview’ up to and including ‘persons granted stateless leave’). Examples of individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria include the following. Please note this list is not exhaustive:

those who are here without authority or lawful status
those who are resident in the UK on a student visa unless they are eligible through meeting any other of the categories described above
those who are in the UK on holiday, with or without a visa
those who are a family member of a person granted a student visa, who have been given immigration permission to stay in the UK and have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the previous 3 years on the first day of learning
those whose biometric residence permit or residence permit imposes a study prohibition or restriction on the individual

Question 26

Learners in the armed forces

Accepted Answer

British armed forces personnel, Ministry of Defence personnel or civil and crown servants resident in England, who meet the criteria in the who we fund section, where learning takes place in England are eligible for ESFA funded AEB.

British armed forces, Ministry of Defence personnel or civil crown servants on postings outside of the UK, including their family members, are treated as ordinarily resident in the UK, who meet the criteria in the who we fund section, and are eligible for ESFA funded AEB funding.

Members of other nations’ armed forces stationed in England, and their family members, aged 19 and over, are eligible for ESFA funded AEB, set out in the who we fund section, if the armed forces individual has been ordinarily resident in England for the previous 3 years on the first day of learning. We will not fund family members that remain outside of England.

Question 27

Learners temporarily outside of England

Accepted Answer

Individuals resident in areas of England outside of devolved authority areas and who work outside of England as part of their job, are eligible for ESFA funded AEB as long as some of the learning takes place in England. You cannot claim for the additional expense of delivering learning outside of England.

Question 28

Learners who live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland

Accepted Answer

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own funding arrangements. You must develop arrangements with the relevant devolved administration if you are planning to deliver a significant quantity of learning to learners who do not live in England.

You must not actively recruit learners who live or work outside of England.

We will fund an individual who does not live in England if specialist skills training is only available in England and the individual wants to travel to, or live in, England to study or learn. We do not expect these numbers to be significant.

For learning delivered at an employee’s workplace, we will fund individuals whose main employment or normal place of work is in England.

We will fund individuals who live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who require and are eligible for ESFA funded AEB, and work for a UK-based employer. Delivery must take place in England. We do not expect these numbers to be significant.

Providers located close to the borders can deliver ESFA funded AEB to learners who are not resident in England but reside in their catchment area. Delivery must take place in England. We do not expect these numbers to be significant.

Question 29

Fees and charging

Accepted Answer

You must not make compulsory charges relating to the direct costs of delivering a learning aim to learners we fully fund, including those with a legal entitlement to full funding for their learning. Direct costs include any essential activities or materials without which the learner could not complete and achieve their learning.

If a fully funded learner needs a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to participate in learning, you cannot charge them for this. If the learning is associated with the learner’s employment, their employer is responsible for carrying out and paying for this check.

Question 30

Qualifying days for funding

Accepted Answer

A learner must be in learning for a minimum number of days between their learning start date and learning planned end date before you can earn funding, including learning support. You can access this information in the AEB funding rates and formula 2022 to 2023 guidance.

This does not apply where the learner achieves the learning aim.

Question 31

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Accepted Answer

A learner could have prior learning or attainment that has been previously accredited by an awarding organisation or could be formally recognised and count towards achievement of a qualification. If this is the case, you must:

reduce the funding amount claimed for the qualification aim by the percentage of learning the learner does not need
follow the policies and procedures set by the awarding organisation regarding recognition of prior learning, including any restrictions concerning where RPL or prior attainment may not be applied
ensure you have a robust internal RPL policy and appropriate resources to deliver RPL

We would not expect RPL or prior attainment to be used against the whole qualification, this is exemption rather than RPL.

You must not use prior learning to reduce funding for:

English and maths qualifications up to and including level 2 or
essential digital skills qualifications up to and including level 1

If a learner enrols on an advanced subsidiary (AS) level qualification followed by an A level, you must reduce the funding claimed for the A level to take account of the prior study of the AS level and record this in the ‘funding adjustment for prior learning’ field in the ILR. More information is available in our ILR guidance.

Question 32

Breaks in learning

Accepted Answer

You and the learner can agree to suspend learning while the learner takes a break from learning. This allows the learner to continue later with the same eligibility that applied when they first started their learning.

We will not fund a learner during a break in learning.

You must record the date a learner starts a break in learning and the date they restart their learning in the ILR. Further guidance on recording breaks can be found in the ILR provider support manual 2022 to 2023.

You must have evidence that the learner agrees to return and continue with the same learning aim; otherwise, you must report the learner as withdrawn. When the learner returns to learning, you must re-plan and extend the remaining delivery as required.

You must not use a break in learning for short-term absences, such as holidays or short-term illness.

Question 33

What we will not fund

Accepted Answer

We will not fund:

qualifications, units or learning aims that are not listed on find a learning aim or on the DfE list of qualifications approved for funding – please see sections level 3 adult offer and the level 3 legal entitlement, local flexibility and local flexibility and legal entitlements below
provision to learners in custody - the Ministry of Justice funds prison education in England. Please note you can use your ESFA funded AEB to fund individuals released on temporary licence as set out in the unemployed section
end-point assessment outside of apprenticeship standards, which is subject to Ofqual external quality assurance and regulated as a qualification
any part of any learner’s learning aim or programme that duplicates provision they have received from any other source
training through ESFA funded AEB, where a learner is undertaking or planning to undertake an apprenticeship and where that training will:
- replicate vocational and other learning aims covered by the apprenticeship standard or framework, including English and maths
- offer career-related training that conflicts with the apprenticeship aims
- be taking place during the apprentices working hours. Where an apprentice has more than one job, working hours refers to the hours of the job the apprenticeship is linked to
a learner to repeat the same regulated qualification where they have previously achieved it, unless it is for any GCSE where the learner has not achieved grade 4 (C) or higher
a learner to sit or resit a learning aim assessment or examination where no extra learning takes place

Question 34

Staying on the Register of Training Organisations

Accepted Answer

The Register of Training Organisations (ROTO) was formally decommissioned on 31 July 2021.

Subcontractors who wish to deliver over £100k previously had to be listed on ROTO. We have updated the subcontracting funding rules for ESFA funded post-16 funding (excluding apprenticeships) 2022 to 2023, setting out the interim measures that will remain in place until the subcontracting standard is introduced for the 2022 to 2023 funding year.

Question 35

Subcontracting

Accepted Answer

For funding year 2021 to 2022 we took the decision to both simplify and unify the subcontracting funding rules that apply to all providers of education and training who receive AEB, ESF and 16 to 19 funding. By subcontracting we mean any delivery to a learner’s programme of learning by a third party.

We have removed the rules from this document and they are published separately at: subcontracting funding rules for ESFA funded post-16 funding (excluding apprenticeships).

Question 36

Match funding requirements relevant to the AEB

Accepted Answer

We procure and manage contracts for ESF-funded provision on behalf of local enterprise partnerships that meets local needs. This includes matching the ESF contract value to other similar funding and learners, which we report to the ESF Managing Authority in England.

This means any learning funded by us becomes part of the ESF programme, and the ESF programme rules apply and will be subject to our ESF compliance checks and external audit.

You must not use the payments that we make as match funding for any ESF projects with any co-financing organisation or Managing Authority direct bids.

You must return complete ILR data, including contact details such as telephone numbers, and you must only return ‘not knowns’ in exceptional circumstances. In particular, you must ensure data for employment status prior to starting, household situation, prior attainment and destination is returned, as these are important for match funding. If the information is not provided, or ‘not known’, or is not available, then you must use ‘learner has withheld this information’.

You and your subcontractors must follow the retention of documents, ‘publicity’ and horizontal themes rules and provide evidence as detailed in the funding and performance management rules 2014 to 2020 European Social Fund (ESF) programme.

You and your subcontractors must follow the evaluation, surveys and annual implementation reporting rules in the ESF 2014 to 2020 funding rules.

You must keep to the rules of the ESF programme, or you will break the conditions of your contract, and this could result in us recovering funds. This includes keeping to the eligibility evidencing rules in the ‘evidence pack’ section of this document.

Question 37

Evidence

Accepted Answer

The evidence pack for a traineeship must contain evidence of:

a formal interview and feedback to the learner, where there is a vacancy
an exit interview, written feedback, and evidence of the time spent on, and activities performed during, work placements, when there is no vacancy
progression to a defined positive outcome within 6 months
information on employer incentive payments will be published separately in the traineeships collection on GOV.UK. This will include any additional requirements for the evidence pack

Question 38

Evidence Pack

Accepted Answer

The evidence pack must contain evidence to support the funding claimed and must be available to us if we need it.

Evidence in the evidence pack must assure us that the learner exists.

The learner must confirm information they provide is correct when it is collected.

If the time spent in learning is short, the level of evidence in the evidence pack would reflect this.

Where you hold information centrally, you only need to refer to the source.

If applicable, the evidence pack must confirm the following:

all information reported to us in the ILR and the earnings adjustment statement (EAS), and all supporting evidence to substantiate the data that you report
your assessment and evidence of eligibility for funding and a counter signed record of the evidence the learner has provided to support their eligibility for funding
copies of all assessments and diagnostics undertaken to determine a learner’s requirements
information on prior learning that affects the learning or the funding of any of the learning aims or programme
for ‘personalised learning programmes’, for example, non-regulated learning aims, full details of all the aspects of the learning to be carried out, including supporting evidence of the number of planned hours reported in the ILR
a description of how you will deliver the learning and skills and how the learner will achieve
the supporting evidence about why you have claimed funding and the level of funding for a learner
details of any learner or employer contribution
support needs to be identified, including how you will meet these needs and the evidence of that
that learning is taking or has taken place (including a work placement if the learner is taking part in a traineeship) and records are available
if applicable, a learner’s self-declaration as to what state benefit they claim
a learner’s self-declaration on their status relating to gaining a job; and
all records and evidence of achievement of qualifications, learning aims or traineeship programme. This must be available within 3 months of you reporting it in the ILR

Where the learner is unemployed, this must include a record of what you have agreed with them, including the relevance of the learning to their employment prospects and the labour market needs.

If a subcontractor delivers any provision to the learner, it must clearly identify who it is. This must match the information reported to us in the ILR.

Question 39

Confirmation and signatures

Accepted Answer

The learner must confirm the information is correct when it is collected. You must have evidence of this, which can include electronic formats.

We accept electronic evidence, including electronic/digital signatures. Where evidence is electronic, you must have wider systems and processes in place to assure you that learners exist and are eligible for funding.

Both electronic and digital signatures are acceptable, we do not specify which should be used, only that a secure process to obtain and store signatures is followed:

an electronic signature is defined as any electronic symbol or process that is associated with any record or document, where there is an intention to sign the document by any party involved
an electronic signature can be anything from a check box to a signature and/or
a digital signature is where a document with an electronic signature is secured by a process making it non-refutable
it is a digital fingerprint which captures the act of signing by applying security to a document. Usually documents which have a digital signature embedded are extremely secure and cannot be accessed or amended easily

Where an electronic or digital signature is being held, from any party for any reason, you must ensure it is non-refutable. This includes the definitions of both wet and dry signatures. Systems and processes must be in place to assure to us the original signature has not been altered. Where any document needs to be renewed, and a new signature taken, it must be clear from when the new document takes effect, and both must be held.

You must keep effective and reliable evidence. You are responsible for making the evidence you hold easily available to us when we need it.

Question 40

Starting, participating and achieving

Accepted Answer

You can only claim ESFA funded AEB when directly related learning starts. This would not include enrolment, induction, prior assessment, diagnostic testing, or similar learning.

For your direct delivery, and any subcontracted delivery, you and where relevant, your subcontractor(s) must have direct centre approval and where appropriate, direct qualification approval from the respective awarding organisation for the regulated qualifications you are offering.

Delivery of the qualification (including learner registration with the awarding organisation) for direct delivery and any subcontracted delivery must be in line with the qualification specification and guidance set out by the relevant awarding organisation.

You must have evidence that the learning took place, and the learner was not certificated for prior knowledge.

Where the learning is certificated, you must follow the relevant awarding organisation’s procedure for claiming the relevant certificate(s) and ensure the learner receives them. You must evidence this has happened in the evidence pack.

Question 41

Leaving learning

Accepted Answer

You must report the learning actual end date in the ILR for a learner who leaves learning as the last day that you can evidence they took part in a learning activity.

Question 42

Individualised learner record (ILR)

Accepted Answer

You must accurately complete all ILR fields as required in the 2022 to 2023 ILR specification even if they are not required for funding purposes.

The ILR must accurately reflect the learning and support (where applicable) you have identified, planned and delivered to eligible individuals. You must not report inaccurate information that would result in an overstatement of the funding claimed.

Where your data does not support the funding claimed, we will take action to correct this, and we could recover funds you overstated.

Question 43

Self-declarations by learners

Accepted Answer

All self-declarations must confirm the learner’s details and describe what the learner is confirming for requirements set out in this document.

If a learner self-declares prior attainment, you must check this in the personal learning record (PLR) and query any contradictory information with the learner. The PLR will not necessarily override the learner’s self-declaration.

Question 44

Legal entitlements

Accepted Answer

ESFA funded AEB includes support for 4 legal entitlements to full funding for eligible adult learners.

Note: The legal entitlements for level 2 and level 3 follow the definition of fullness in the full level 2 and full level 3 sections respectively. A learner can only be fully funded for one vocational qualification from the entitlement qualifications list when exercising their legal entitlement. Appropriate information, advice and guidance should be given to a learner and the learner should be made aware of their entitlement rights and progression routes on completing an entitlement qualification.

These entitlements are set out in the Apprenticeships, Skills and Children Learning Act 2009, and enable eligible learners to be fully funded for the following qualifications:

English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade 4 (C), or higher, and/or
first full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or
first full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23
essential digital skills qualifications, up to and including level 1, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have digital skills assessed at below level 1

If an individual meets the legal entitlement eligibility criteria, you must not charge them any course fees.

Eligible learners exercising their legal entitlement must be enrolled on qualifications that DfE has approved for funding through the relevant entitlement. For the funding year 2022 to 2023, providers can find the qualifications we have approved in the DfE list of qualifications approved for funding, for the following entitlement offers:

level 2 and level 3 and/or
English and maths and/or
essential digital skills qualifications

Question 45

Level 3 adult offer and the level 3 legal entitlement

Accepted Answer

Eligible 19 to 23-year-old learners can access all qualifications from the level 3 adult offer. If a learner aged 19 to 23 completes a qualification that is included on both the legal entitlement list and the level 3 adult offer list, they will have exercised their level 3 legal entitlement.

To receive the funding uplift for eligible 19 to 23-year-old learners, you must use LDM code 378, as set out in the level 3 FCFJ section. The uplift applies to all learners accessing qualifications on the FCFJ list, including those that are also included in the AEB legal entitlement.

For more information on the eligibility criteria refer to the level 3 FCFJ section.

Question 46

Local flexibility

Accepted Answer

ESFA funded AEB also supports delivery of flexible tailored provision for adults, including qualifications and components of these and/or non-regulated learning, up to level 2 – we call this ‘local flexibility’.

Local flexibility provision either is fully or co-funded, depending on the learner’s age, prior attainment and circumstances. Please refer to the ‘level of government contribution’ chart 1 and chart 2 and the sections below up to and including Learners with an education, health and care (EHC) plan for learner eligibility. Where appropriate for the learner, you can deliver local flexibility provision alongside a legal entitlement qualification.

Learners aged 19 to 23 progressing towards their first full level 2, must undertake learning at entry and/or level 1 only from local flexibility.

Question 47

Local flexibility and legal entitlements

Accepted Answer

Learners aged 19 to 23 who progress to their first full level 2, must only enrol on a qualification DfE has approved for funding from the qualifications website.

Learners aged 19 to 23 and aged 24 and over, who have already achieved at level 2, or above can undertake learning up to and including level 2 qualifications from the local flexibility offer or qualifications for the level 2 legal entitlement available on the qualifications website or find a learning aim.

Learners aged 24 and over who have not achieved a level 2 qualification can undertake learning up to and including level 2 qualifications from the local flexibility offer, or qualifications in the level 2 legal entitlement list available on the qualifications website or find a learning aim.

Question 48

Government contribution charts

Accepted Answer

Charts 1 and 2 show the level of government contribution for ESFA funded AEB. You can find the text version of these charts in annex c.

External links

Question 49

Chart 1: 19 to 23-year-olds (age exception on traineeships 19- to 24-year-olds)

Accepted Answer

Question 50

Chart 2: 24+

Accepted Answer

Question 51

Unemployed

Accepted Answer

We will update the universal credit thresholds to align to any revisions made by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

For funding purposes, we define a learner as unemployed if one or more of the following apply, they:

receive Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), including those receiving National Insurance credits only
receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
receive Universal Credit (UC), and their take-home pay as recorded on their UC statement (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £617 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £988 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
are released on temporary licence, studying outside a prison environment, and not funded by the Ministry of Justice

Providers may also use their discretion to fully fund other learners if both of the following apply. The learner:

receives other state benefits (not included in the list above) and their take-home pay (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £617 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £988 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner), and
wants to be employed, or progress into more sustainable employment, and their take-home pay (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £617 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £988 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner), and you are satisfied identified learning is directly relevant to their employment prospects and the local labour market needs

Question 52

Learners in receipt of low wage

Accepted Answer

You may fully fund learners who are employed, or self-employed, and would normally be co-funded for provision, up to and including level 2. You must be satisfied the learner is both:

eligible for co-funding, and
earns less than £20,319 annual gross salary (please refer to the glossary). You may also fully fund learners who meet the low wage criteria for qualifications included in the level 3 FCFJ offer

You must have seen evidence of the learner’s gross annual wages in these circumstances. This could be a wage slip or a UC statement within 3 months of the learner’s learning start date, or a current employment contract which states gross monthly/annual wages. Please note this is not an exhaustive list, but you must evidence your decision to award full funding to an individual who would normally be eligible for co-funding.

To claim full funding for learners who meet the low wage criteria, excluding those on qualifications included in the level 3 FCFJ offer, you must use LDM code 363 and FFI code 1.

Question 53

Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver training

Accepted Answer

This was a one year offer for 2021 to 2022 which has now been extended for the 2022 to 2023 academic year.

HGV driver training flexibilities have been developed to support an increase in HGV driver training.

The 2022 to 2023 offer:

includes level 2 qualifications which will prepare learners for HGV licence acquisition of all vehicles up to category C and E (articulated)
includes additional qualifications that are approved for training in this sector throughout the 2022 to 2023 academic year
allows all eligible learners, fully funded and co-funded, to be reimbursed for the cost of HGV licences and medical

Learners must be eligible under the criteria for ESFA funded AEB eligibility and enrolled on one of the targeted approved for funding level 2 qualifications listed in find a learning aim.

For learners, we will fund the first attempt only for:

the HGV licence as part of a programme of training and
the medical, at a cost of £61 per learner and/or
a licence to upgrade from category C to category C+E

Providers must:

use learning aims that are marked with:
- category code 50: HGV Emergency Response, to identify an approved qualification, and
- category code 51: HGV Medical for the additional learning aim to represent the HGV medical and
- category code 52: HGV Licence, for the additional learning aim(s) to represent parts of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests required to attain the licence, when learners undertake these elements
record an outcome of “Achieved” in the ILR where you have a recorded learning aims for the HGV licence and medical aim, to generate reimbursement funding for these activities
have criteria for how you will administer and distribute your funds
retain evidence in the learner file confirming that you have verified the medical test and licence documentation, and evidence from your accounts of the payment made to the learner and learner’s receipt of the funds

Question 54

Sector-based work academy programme (SWAP)

Accepted Answer

The sector-based work academy programme (SWAP) is designed to help Job Centre Plus claimants build confidence to improve their job prospects and enhance their CV, whilst helping employers in sectors with current local vacancies to fill them. SWAP can last up to 6 weeks and has 3 main components:

pre-employment training
work experience placement
a guaranteed job interview

The scheme runs in England (and Scotland). Participants remain on benefits throughout their placement.

Only the pre-employment training element in England can be funded through AEB local flexibility, and normally lasts 2 to 3 weeks. Jobcentre Plus fund the other components and will pay any travel and childcare costs whilst claimants are on the work experience placement.

FE providers are part of the SWAP local design process and are informed when to expect referrals and how many.

You must keep a copy of the claimant’s SWAP referral notification issued by Jobcentre Plus in the evidence pack setting out start date and times for their ESFA AEB funded pre-employment training.

To claim full funding for claimants referred to SWAP pre-employment training you must use LDM code 375 and complete the Benefit Status Indicator (BSI) to identify the claimant is in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance (BSI 1), Universal Credit (BSI 4), or Employment and Support Allowance (all categories) (BSI 5).

Question 55

Level 3 free courses for jobs offer

Accepted Answer

As part of the Lifetime Skills Guarantee, a targeted level 3 adult offer has been developed to support adults without an existing full level 3 qualification and, from 1 April 2022, adults who meet the definition of ‘low wage’ or ‘unemployed’. This offer is also known as the free courses for jobs offer.

The offer includes:

level 3 qualifications which will support the development of new skills for adult learners and improve the prospects of eligible adults in the labour market. In particular, eligible adults aged 24+ can now access fully-funded level 3 provision from the list of level 3 FCFJ qualifications available via the DfE list of qualifications approved for funding
additional level 3 qualifications for 19 to 23-year-olds that are not included in the legal entitlements
support funding
the ability for eligible learners to take one short qualification (identified by category code 49) without exhausting their eligibility. We expect this flexibility to be used where a learner could benefit from a more substantial qualification once they have completed a short qualification

An uplift is payable at 2 different rates and follows the earnings methodology set out in the funding rates and formula document. This uplift should be used to support delivery of the level 3 FCFJ offer.

Only level 3 qualifications included in this offer will attract an uplift. There may be additions to the list to ensure it meets the needs of the economy; we encourage providers to check availability regularly.

When qualifications are added to the list of qualifications included in this offer, they will become eligible for funding from that publication date and will not be backdated to the start of the level 3 adult offer (1 April 2021) or the funding year.

Please note this policy is subject to potential further amendments and clarifications.

We have published level 3 qualifications flow charts document which sets out the options available to a learner who wishes to enrol on a level 3 qualification funded by ESFA. This is supplementary to these AEB funding rules and to the advanced learner loans rules.

We will fully fund individuals as part of this offer where they:

are aged 19 or above on 31 August within the 2022 to 2023 funding year; and
have not achieved a full level 3 qualification, or above, which meets the requirements set out in the full level 3 section; and
enrol on the level 3 FCFJ qualifications approved for funding

We will also fully fund individuals as part of the offer where they meet the definition of being unemployed or the low wage criteria and enrol on the level 3 FCFJ qualifications approved for funding, including learners who already have a level 3 qualification or higher.

We will fund eligible learners to take one ‘short’ qualification, without exhausting their eligibility, followed by one further qualification in the level 3 FCFJ offer. ‘Short’ qualifications are identified by category code 49 which can be found in level 3 FCFJ offer – short qualification within find a learning aim.

You must not claim for ESFA AEB funding where learners are already being funded through an advanced learner loan (ALL), or a skills bootcamp (where applicable), for qualifications that are in the level 3 FCFJ offer. The criteria for ALL can be found in the ALL funding rules 2022 to 2023.

Once a learner has been funded by FCFJ in line with the paragraphs above, they will have exhausted their eligibility for the offer and can no longer access FCFJ funding. Learners accessing the low wage and unemployment flexibilities cannot be funded if they have previously been funded via FCFJ.

You must:

use LDM code 378 and FFI code 1 to claim for funding for learners who meet the requirements above
use LDM code 378, FFI code 1, and LDM code 382 when recording learners who meet the low wage eligibility criteria
record the employment status of learners accessing the offer in the ILR
use category code 49 to identify a short course qualification in find a learning aim

Learning aims need to display either Adult Skills or Advanced Learner Loans validity in find a learning aim, to be used within the FCFJ offer.

Question 56

Full level 2

Accepted Answer

Level 2 is the level of attainment which, is demonstrated by:

a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) in 5 subjects, each at grade 4 (C) or above, or
a Technical Certificate at level 2 which meets the requirements for the 16 to 19 performance tables

If a learner, aged 19 to 23, has achieved a level 2 qualification that was, at the time they started, or still is, classed as a full level 2, any subsequent level 2 qualifications will be fully funded if they meet the definition of unemployed or meet the eligibility criteria for learners in receipt of low wage. Please email qualifications.esfa@education.gov.uk if you need advice on a previous qualification’s designation.

Question 57

Full level 3

Accepted Answer

Level 3 is the level of attainment which is demonstrated by a:

General Certificate of Education at the advanced level in 2 subjects
General Certificate of Education at the AS level in 4 subjects
QAA Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma at level 3
Technical, or applied general qualification at level 3, which meets the requirements for the 16 to 19 performance tables
Core maths at level 3

If a learner has achieved a level 3 qualification that was not classed as a full level 3 at the time they started it but has since been classed as a full level 3 and wants to enrol on any subsequent level 3 qualification, of any size, they may apply for an advanced learner loan (provided the qualification is designated for funding, and subject to learner eligibility conditions), or pay for their own learning. From the 1 April 2022 there is an exception to this rule; a learner will be fully funded under the level 3 adult offer if they meet the definition of unemployed or meet the eligibility criteria for learners in receipt of low wage.

Please email qualifications.esfa@education.gov.uk if you need advice on a previous qualification’s designation.

For new linear AS and A levels, where a learner enrols on an AS qualification and continues with further study to take the A level qualification in the same subject, you must record both the AS and A level in the ILR. The AS learning aim will be funded separately to the A level learning aim.

Question 58

Approved qualifications

Accepted Answer

Where you deliver regulated qualifications and/or their components, you must ensure they are approved for ESFA funded AEB and available on find a learning aim.

Where you deliver approved qualifications and/or their components you must ensure that learners are registered for the qualifications and/or component in line with the awarding policies and procedures. You must not ‘pre-register’ students a significant period in advance of the learner starting the qualification.

We will fund qualifications that are linked to occupational regulation/licence to practise. You can find more information about these qualifications at the qualifications website.

Before delivering a component, you must check with the awarding organisation they provide a learner registration facility, and the learner can achieve it alone or as part of accumulating achievement towards a qualification.

If the UK ENIC has confirmed the authenticity of a qualification gained overseas and confirmed it is comparable/compatible with a regulated qualification in England, currently part of the level 2 and level 3 legal entitlement, the individual will be deemed to have achieved their first level 2 and/or level 3 qualification.

You must provide accurate unique learner number (ULN) information to awarding organisations and ensure all information you use to register learners for qualifications is correct. You can find more information in the Learner Records Service guidance.

Question 59

Non-regulated learning

Accepted Answer

Where you deliver non-regulated learning, you must ensure it is eligible for funding. Such learning could include:

independent living skills or engagement learning supporting adults to operate confidently and effectively in life and work
locally commissioned and/or locally developed basic knowledge and skills needed to access technical qualifications
employability and labour market re-entry
locally commissioned and/or locally devised technical education short courses (also known as taster sessions)
community learning courses
basic digital skills courses, including where learners are unable to undertake digital skills qualification specified in the digital entitlement for those aged 19 or older section

The eligibility principles we apply to non-regulated learning are as follows:

it must not be provision linked to UK visa requirements
it must not be provision linked to occupational regulation unless there is an agreed concession in place
it must not be restricted to being delivered to employees of only one employer
it must not be learning, for example, ‘induction to college’, that should be part of a learner’s experience
it must not be a non-regulated version of a regulated qualification
it must not be above notional level 2 (that is, at notional levels 3 or 4)
at notional level 2 it must focus on technical provision

Where you are delivering non-regulated learning, you must ensure you have appropriate and robust quality assurance processes in place. For instance, ‘The Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement (RARPA) Cycle’. Further information on RARPA is available from the Learning and Work Institute.

Question 60

Learning in the workplace

Accepted Answer

We will fund learning in the workplace where a learner has a legal entitlement to full funding for:

English and/or maths up to and including level 2, and/or
a first full level 2, or
a first full level 3 qualification
essential digital skills qualification, up to and including level 1

We will fund learning in the workplace for the level 3 FCFJ offer.

We will not fund any qualification or learning aim delivered at an employee’s workplace, and is either relevant to their job or their employer’s business, unless:

it is a legal entitlement qualification, and/or
it is included in the level 3 FCFJ offer
DfE and/or ESFA have confirmed a national level concession that responds to a significant negative economic impact for a specific industry, or work placement or work experience, unless it is delivered as part of a traineeship programme, or the Prince’s Trust Team programme

Question 61

English and maths for those aged 19 or older

Accepted Answer

We will fully fund individuals, including individuals who are employed, aged 19 or older, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade 4 (C), or higher, in English and maths, as part of their legal entitlement on the day they start the following qualifications:

GCSE English language or maths
Functional Skills English or maths from Entry to level 2
Stepping-stone qualifications (including components, where applicable) in English or maths approved by DfE

If a learner wants to ‘retake’ their GCSE English and maths qualification because they did not achieve a grade 4 (C), or higher, we will not fund the learner to only resit the exam.

You must not enrol individuals on qualifications which are not necessary for progressing towards a GCSE or Functional Skill level 2.

You must not fund an apprentice for English or maths from ESFA funded AEB.

We will fully fund non-regulated English and maths learning for learners, including those assessed at pre-entry level with significant learning difficulties and/or disabilities as part of a personalised learning programme, where assessment has identified the learner cannot undertake provision identified in the first paragraph of this section.

You must:

carry out a thorough initial assessment to determine an individual’s current level using current assessment tools based on the national literacy and numeracy standards and core curriculums or DfE published English and Maths Functional Skills subject content
carry out an appropriate diagnostic assessment to inform and structure a learner’s evidence pack to use as a basis for a programme of study
enrol the learner on a level above that at which they were assessed and be able to provide evidence of this
deliver ongoing assessment to support learning
record the evidence of all assessment outcomes in the evidence pack

The assessments must place a learner’s current skills levels within the level descriptors used for the RQF.

Question 62

Digital entitlement for those aged 19 or older

Accepted Answer

We will fully fund individuals aged 19 or older and assessed at below level 1, including individuals who are employed, as part of their legal entitlement on the day they start the following qualification: Essential Digital Skills qualification (EDSQ up to and including level 1).

We will fully fund non-regulated learning for learners, including those assessed at pre-entry level with significant learning difficulties and/or disabilities as part of a personalised learning programme, where assessment has identified the learner cannot undertake provision identified in the paragraph above. This provision must be aligned with the national standards for essential digital skills and must not be a non-regulated version of a regulated qualification (see rules for non-regulated learning).

You must:

carry out an initial assessment using current assessment tools based on the national standards for essential digital skills
carry out an appropriate diagnostic assessment to inform and structure a learner’s learner file to use as a basis for a programme of study
enrol the learner on a level above that at which they were assessed and be able to provide evidence of this
deliver ongoing assessment to support learning
record the evidence of all assessment outcomes in the evidence pack

The assessments must place a learner’s current skills levels within the level descriptors used for the RQF.

Question 63

Individuals aged 19 to 23 (excluding English, maths, digital and ESOL)

Accepted Answer

We will fully fund 19 to 23-year-olds (refer to the who we fund section), including individuals who are employed, on the day they start the following learning:

qualifications defined within the legal entitlement that are a learner’s:
- first full level 2, and/or
- first full level 3 as part of the legal entitlement and/or access to additional qualifications from the level 3 adult offer
local flexibility provision:
- up to and including level 1 to support progression
- to a first full level 2, and/or
- level 2 for those who already have a full level 2, or above, if they are unemployed

We will co-fund provision up to, and including, a level 2 for learners who have already achieved a full level 2, or above, who are employed. The low wage flexibility may apply.

Question 64

Individuals aged 24 or older (excluding English, maths, digital and ESOL)

Accepted Answer

We will fully fund individuals aged 24 or older on the day they start the following learning:

provision up to and including a level 2, if they are unemployed
qualifications from the level 3 adult offer, or above, if learners do not have a full level 3 qualification and they meet the eligibility criteria set out in the level 3 FCFJ offer section

We will co-fund all other learners aged 24 years and older for provision up to, and including, a level 2. Where learners are employed, the low wage flexibility may apply

2022 to 2023 contract value	Maximum growth
Up to £90,000	£45,000
More than £90,000	50% of your contract value

2022 to 2023 contract value	Maximum growth
Up to £90,000	£45,000
More than £90,000	50% of your contract value

2022 to 2023 contract value	Maximum growth
Up to £90,000	£45,000
More than £90,000	50% of your contract value

2022 to 2023 contract value	Maximum growth
Up to £90,000	£45,000
More than £90,000	50% of your contract value

2022 to 2023 contract value	Maximum growth
Up to £90,000	£45,000
More than £90,000	50% of your contract value

Denmark	The following is part of Denmark: Greenland, Faroe Islands
Finland	The following is part of Finland and the EU: Aland islands
France	The following is part of France and the EU: the French Overseas Department (DOMS) (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana (Guyana), Reunion and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon) The following is part of France: New Caledonia and its dependencies, French Polynesia, Saint Barthélemy
Germany	The following is part of Germany and the EU: Tax-free port of Heligoland
Netherlands	The following is part of the Netherlands: Antilles (Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St Eustatius and St Maarten), Aruba
Portugal	The following is part of Portugal and the EU: Madeira, The Azores
Spain	The following is part of Spain and the EU: the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla

	December review point (increases, reductions and new requests)
Funding in scope for growth (increases calculated by ESFA)	Level 3 FCFJ offer 19 to 24 traineeships (opt-in only) 16 to 18 traineeships (opt-in only)
Funding in scope for new requests or top ups	Level 3 FCFJ offer 19 to 24 traineeships (grant only) 16 to 18 traineeships (top-up only)[^{[footnote 8]}
Funding in scope for reductions	AEB (contract for services) Level 3 FCFJ offer (contract for services) 19 to 24 traineeships (contract for services) 16 to 18 traineeships
Tolerance for under-delivery	Where your delivery is 80% or below the cumulative profile to November
Tolerance for over-delivery	Where your delivery is 90% or above the cumulative profile to November
Lower threshold for contract value adjustments	£25,000
Exception case, first-time request, and opt-in form published	23 November 2022
Exception case, first-time request, and opt-in form to be sent to ESFA by	7 December 2022
Delivery information using the latest validated ILR data you provide	6 December 2022 (R04 data return)
Providers told the outcome by	20 January 2023

	P1 Aug	P2 Sep	P3 Oct	P4 Nov	P5 Dec	P6 Jan	P7 Feb	P8 Mar	P9 Apr	P10 May	P11 Jun	P12 Jul
Education and Skills Funding agreement	14.4%	8.58%	8.76%	7.08%	5.69%	7.44%	5.39%	5.36%	12.69%	10.21%	8.70%	5.75%
Cumulative profile	14.44%	23.02%	31.69%	38.77%	44%46	51.90%	57.29%	62.65%	75.34%	85.55%	94.25%	100.00%

Term	Description
20+ childcare	A category of learner support to assist learners aged over the age of 20 who are at risk of not starting learning or leaving learning due to issues in obtaining childcare.
AEB funding methodology	The funding methodology for individuals aged 19 and over, participating in AEB learning. You can access AEB funding methodology on GOV.UK.
Advanced learner loan	Advanced learner loans are available for individuals aged 19 or above to undertake approved qualifications at levels 3 to level 6, at an approved provider in England. Advanced learner loans give individuals access to financial support for tuition costs similar to that available in higher education and is administered by Student Loans Company.
Annual gross salary	Gross salary is the total income before any deductions are removed form that amount. This total income is usually described as an annual salary, and it is the total amount on employee will receive for work completed before tax of national contributions are deducted.
Break in learning	When a learner is not continuing with their learning but has told you beforehand that they intend to resume their learning in the future.
Brokerage	By brokers we mean where a third-party matches, for a fee, a provider with an unused allocation with a provider that can secure enrolments of learners to utilise it.
Care to learn	A Department for Education scheme to assist young parents under the age of 20 with the childcare costs that may form a barrier to them continuing in education.
Community Learning	Helps people of different ages and backgrounds gain a new skill, reconnect with learning, pursue an interest, and learn how to support their children better, or prepare for progression to more formal courses/employment.
Components of regulated qualification	A subset of a qualification, which could be a unit.
Continuing learners	Learners who commenced learning in a previous funding year and remain in learning as of 1 August 2022.
Devolution of adult education functions	The devolution of adult education functions refers to the transfer of certain Secretary of State functions in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to specified Mayoral Combined Authorities by way of orders made under section 105A of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, and the delegation of those functions to the Mayor of London under section 39A of the Greater London Authority Act 1999, in relation to their areas.
Digital Entitlement	The study of EDS qualifications for learners who have digital skills assessed at below level 1. Qualifications that are designated up to and including level 1 are: Essential Digital Skills Qualifications.
Direct costs of learning	Any costs for items without which it would be impossible for the learner to complete their learning aim. This can include the costs of registration, examination or any other activities or materials without which the learner cannot achieve their programme of study.
Earnings adjustment statement (EAS)	The form providers need to fill in to claim funding that cannot be claimed through the Individualised Learner Record (ILR).
Education health and care (EHC) plan	An EHC plan replaces statements of special educational needs and learning difficulty assessments for children and young people with special educational needs. The local authority has the legal duty to ‘secure’ the educational provision specified in the EHC plan, that is, to ensure that the provision is delivered.
European Economic Area (EEA)	The European Economic Area, abbreviated as EEA, consists of the Member States of the European Union (EU) and 3 countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; excluding Switzerland). The Agreement on the EEA entered into force on 1 January 1994. Please refer to Appendix A for more information.
European Union	A list of member states is available on the EU website
Employment status (formerly employed)	The main types of employment status are: worker employee self-employed and contractor director office holder More information on employment status is available.
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)	The study of English by speakers of other languages.
ESFA funded AEB	Funding you can claim from ESFA for delivery of AEB eligible provision, and/or or traineeship programme provision to individuals set out in the who we fund section.
European social fund (ESF)	The ESF is a structural fund from the European Union (EU). It improves the skills of the workforce and helps people who have difficulties finding work. We are a co-financing organisation for the ESF.
Evidence pack	A collection of documents and information brought together to form a single point of reference relating to learning that is taking place. This must provide evidence to prove the learner exists, is eligible for funding, the planned learning to be provided, and that learning has been delivered.
Exceptional learning support	Learning support funding to meet the costs of putting in place a reasonable adjustment for a learner who requires more than £19,000 in a funding year.
Find a learning aim	Find a learning aim provides online services to find the latest information on available qualifications, apprenticeship standards, T Levels and units. Standards will show you information on funding, dates and common components. Qualifications and units show you funding streams for courses and the last date learners can start.

Flexible element	Within a traineeship, the elements that sit alongside the core elements to form the qualification.
Full level 2	The following qualifications are designated full at level 2: General Certificate of Secondary Education in 5 subjects, each at grade C or above or grade 4 or above a Technical Certificate at level 2 which meets the requirements for 2018 to 2019 16 to 19 performance table
Full level 3	The following qualifications are designated full at level 3, a General Certificate of Education at the advanced level in 2 subjects General Certificate of Education at the AS level in 4 subjects QAA Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma at level 3 Tech level or applied general qualification, at level 3 which meets the requirements for 2018 16 to 19 performance tables, technical and applied qualifications in the 16 to 18 performance tables for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (tech levels, applied general qualifications, technical certificates) Core maths qualification at level 3
Full or co-funding Indicator (FFI)	Indicates whether a learning aim is fully funded or co-funded in Adult Skills or Other Adult Funding.
Functional skills	Applied practical skills in English, maths and ICT that provide the learner with the essential knowledge, skills and understanding to enable them to operate effectively and independently in life and work.
Funding agreement	The agreement between the Secretary of State for Education acting through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and providers who receive funding for education and skills training.
Funding model (10 and 35)	Identifies the funding methodology we apply to submission of finalised ILR data. For AEB funding, Funding Model 10 (Community Learning) and 35 (Adult Skills) are used, noting model 10 is non-formula funded (meaning ILR data does not generate a funding rate and is paid on monthly profile) and model 35 is formula funded. More information is available in the 2022 to 2023 ILR Specification.

Funding year	The ESFA’s adult funding system operates on a funding year basis, which starts on 1 August and finishes on 31 July.
General Data Protection Regulation	The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a Europe-wide law that replaced the Data Protection Act 1998 in the UK. It is part of the wider package of reform to the data protection landscape that includes the Data Protection Act 2018. The GDPR sets out requirements for how organisations have to handle personal data.
Guided learning	As defined by Ofqual: “The activity of the learner in being taught or instructed by – otherwise participating in education or training under the immediate guidance or supervision of – a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training. For these purposes the activity of ‘participating in education and training’ shall be treated as including the activity of being assessed if the assessment takes place under the immediate guidance or supervision of a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training”. You can find more information in the Ofqual Handbook
Hardship	Within learner support, a category of support to assist vulnerable and disadvantaged learners to remove barriers to education and training.
High value courses Skills offer	High value qualifications adapted from an already approved for funding regulated qualification list.
Individualised learner record (ILR)	The primary data collection requested from learning providers for further education and work-based learning in England. The government uses this data to monitor policy implementation and the performance of the sector. It is also used by organisations that allocate funding for further education.
ILR specification	The ILR Specification is the technical documents, guidance and requirements to help providers collect, return and check ILR and other learner data.
Job outcome payments	Payments made for learners who are unemployed at the start of learning who cease learning to take up a job.
Learner residency	We use the term ‘resident’ or ‘residence’ in this document for different purposes. Residence in the UK, EU and EEA has specific definitions in education law, and this is set out in the ‘residency eligibility’ section. Following the devolution of adult education functions, there is a new emphasis on residence in England, in determining and evidencing eligibility for ESFA funded AEB - see ‘who we fund’ and ‘evidence’ sections. This means the permanent residency of an individual in England (i.e., not a temporary address for duration of learning taking place), immediately prior to enrolment determines eligibility for ESFA funded AEB.
Learner support	Funding to enable providers to support learners with a specific financial hardship that might prevent them from being able to start or complete their learning.
Learning aim	Statements that describe the overarching intentions of a course.
Learning aim reference number	The unique eight-character code used to identify a specific learning aim.
Learning delivery monitoring (LDM)	A code used as part of the ILR to indicate participation in programmes or initiatives.
Learning planned end date	The date entered onto the individualised learner record (ILR) when the learner is expected to complete their learning.
Learning support	Funding to enable providers to put in place a reasonable adjustment, set out in the Equality Act 2010, for learners with an identified learning difficulty and/or disability to achieve their learning goal.
Legal entitlement	The legal entitlement to education and training allows learners to be fully funded who are aged: 19 and over, who have not achieved a grade 4 (legacy grade C), or higher, and study for a qualification in English or maths up to and including level 2, and/or 19 to 23, if they study for a first qualification at level 2, and/or level 3 19 and over, who have digital skills assessed at below level 1.
Local flexibility	Regulated qualifications, and/or their components, and non-regulated learning that ESFA funds, which is not part of the English and maths, or level 2 or level 3 legal entitlement offer. All regulated and non-regulated learning that is available for funding through the flexible local offer is listed on find a learning aim.
Low wage threshold	The threshold of £18,525 as an annual gross salary, is based on the National Living Wage (23 and over hourly rate) of £9.50, on the assumption of a 37.5 hour contract with paid statutory holiday entitlement (therefore, £9.50 multiplied by 37.5 hours per week, multiplied by 52 weeks per year). The threshold of £20,319 which took effect on 1 April 2023 is based on the National Living Wage of £10.42. The 25 and over hourly rate of £9.50 came into force in April 2022 and the rate of £10.42 took effect on 1 April 2023. This rate is updated each year. Providers will need to check they are applying the correct rate following the annual change in April.
Multiply	Multiply is the new adult numeracy programme being delivered across MCAs/the GLA and upper tier/unitary authorities outside of those areas, from 2022 to 2023 and 2024 to 2025.
Non-formula community learning funding	Where applicable, providers receive a non-formula funded community learning allocation’ as part of their AEB which is paid on a monthly profile. Submission of ILR data does not generate a funding value for the learning aim/s a learner participates on. Instead, providers attribute costs up to the value of their non-formula community learning allocation. Providers submit community learning data through funding model 10. More information is available in the 2022 to 2023 ILR Specification.
Non-regulated learning	Learning which is not subject to awarding organisation external accreditation in the form of a regulated qualification. It may be designed, delivered and certificated by a provider or another organisation. This could include: independent living skills and engagement learning employability and work skills labour market re-entry technical education tasters basic digital skills community learning
Not in employment, education and training (NEET)	A young person aged 16 to 24 who is no longer in the education system and who is not working or being trained for work.
Occupational Standard	The requirements for competence in the duties of an occupation which are approved and published by the IATE. They include knowledge, skills and behaviours.
Ofqual	The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, which regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
Performance management requests form (AEB)	This form must be used at the performance management reviews for exceptions to reductions or increases and first-time requests.
Personal learning record (PLR)	A database that allows individual learners access to their past and current achievement records. These can be shared with schools, colleges, further education training providers, universities or employers.
Recognising and Recording Progress and Achievement (RARPA)	The Learning and Work Institute have published updated RARPA guidance. This comprises a clear framework designed to support learners through the learning process, identifying key outcomes. It provides a robust approach to quality control and improvement of non-regulated provision with a focus on self-assessment that supports standards acceptable to the Office of Standards in Education (Ofsted). You can access further information from The Learning and Work Institute.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)	An assessment method that considers whether a learner demonstrates that they can: meet the outcomes for a qualification or a component of a qualification through knowledge, understanding, or skills they already have and so do not need to undertake a course of learning for that component or qualification
Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)	The RQF provides a way of understanding and describing the relative level and size of qualifications. The RQF, operated by Ofqual, is a single regulatory framework containing a range of general, technical and professional qualifications.
Residential Support	Support provided under learner support to learners receiving specialist provision, which involves a residential element, or to support learners who cannot receive provision locally.
Sector-based work academy programme (SWAP)	Sector-based work academy programme is a DWP scheme that offers pre-employment training, work experience placements and a guaranteed job interview for recipients of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), Universal Credit (all work-related requirements group) or Employment and Support Allowance.
Self-declaration	A process where the learner can confirm something through his or her own signature.
Senior responsible person	For example, chief executive, managing director, principal or their equivalent.
Skills Bootcamp	A skills bootcamp is a bespoke employer-led level 3-5 programme, designed to meet skills needs within the economy. Following a procurement process, the skills bootcamp programme will begin from 1 August 2022.
Start of learning	The date on which learning begins. We do not consider enrolment, induction, diagnostic assessment, or prior assessment to be part of learning.
State benefits	State benefits are contributions, both financial and non- financial, made by central and local government to individuals in certain circumstances to meet their day-to-day living needs.
Study programme	Study programmes are for learners aged 16 to 19 and cover all levels up to level 3. Funding is for each learner, rather than for each qualification and can only have one core aim at a time.
Subcontractor	A separate legal entity that has an agreement with you to deliver any element of the education and training we fund. A separate legal entity includes companies in your group, other associated companies and sole traders. It also includes individuals who are self-employed or supplied by an employment agency, unless those individuals are working under your direction and control, in the same way as your own employees.
Take-home pay	An unemployed learner may also receive an income alongside their benefit claim. In order to be fully funded under the unemployed definition their “take-home pay” (stated on the Universal Credit statement) is less than £617 a month (sole adult in their benefit claim) or less than £988 a month (joint benefit claim with partner).
Traineeship programme	A programme to help unemployed young people to develop the necessary skills and experience to progress to an apprenticeship or long-term work.
UK provider reference number	A unique identifying number given to all providers by the UK register of learning providers.
Unique learner number	A 10-digit number used to match a learner’s achievement to their personal learning record (PLR).
Work placement	A placement with an employer in a workplace setting as part of a traineeship.
Young people’s funding methodology	The funding methodology for individuals aged 16 to 19 (and those aged 19 to 24 with an EHC plan). You can access 16 to 19 funding methodology on GOV.UK.
Virement	The process of moving money from one financial account or part of a budget to a different one.

Section	Change
Devolution of adult education functions and who we fund	Paragraphs relating to continuing learners in relation to the High value courses for school and college leavers: a one-year skills offer for 18- and 19-year-olds have been removed as the offer has now finished.
Local skills improvement plans	Paragraph added re local skills improvement plans.
Mainstreaming of Covid-19 policies	Mainstreaming of coronavirus policies - Removal of ‘response to coronavirus (COVID-19)’ section. Amendments to the ‘support funding’ section.
Residency Eligibility	UK nationals and other persons with right of abode updated for clarification.
Residency Eligibility	Individuals with certain types of immigration status and their family members – have added the following to the list: Ukraine Family Scheme. Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine). British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan under Operation Pitting. British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan by UK government before 6 January 2022.
Residency Eligibility	Residency eligibility section has been updated for clarification and to reflect the EU exit. The key additional paragraphs relate to: Family members of EU nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. Family members of people of Northern Ireland. Joining family members under EUSS. Late applications to EUSS. Irish citizens residing in the EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020.
Contracting	Staying on the Register of Training Organisations information box updated to sign post providers directly to the new subcontracting standard.
Government contribution tables	No policy changes but simplified for clarity. We have changed the heading to ‘government contribution charts’. We have also included an annex C that shows the text to support the charts.
Unemployment thresholds	We have increased the administrative earnings thresholds in line with DWP changes which took effect on 1 April 2023.
High Value Courses	The offer has now finished so associated rules have been removed including continuing learners.
Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver training	The information box has been updated - this was a one year offer for 2021 to 2022 which has now been extended for the 2022 to 2023 academic year.
Level 3 free courses for jobs	Updated to reflect name change from National Skills Fund – Level 3 adult offer to level 3 free courses for jobs.
Free courses for jobs	References to 1 April 2021 have been removed. We have replaced this by explaining that learners cannot be funded via FCFJ if they have already achieved a qualification that was funded via FCFJ.
ESOL	ESOL section has been strengthened to confirm that we will fully fund individuals aged 19 and over on the day they start their ESOL learning aim where they meet the definition of unemployed or where learners who are employed meet the low wage threshold; there are no changes to the provision available.
Community Learning	Paragraph added in the information box to emphasise the importance of learners progressing to new and more stretching provision. Further clarification of how providers can claim for learning and learner support through the funding claim.

	P1 Aug	P2 Sep	P3 Oct	P4 Nov	P5 Dec	P6 Jan	P7 Feb	P8 Mar	P9 Apr	P10 May	P11 Jun	P12 Jul
19 to 24 traineeships	7.93%	9.14%	9.44%	8.54%	6.67%	8.47%	8.38%	8.48%	8.32%	7.47%	8.63%	8.53%
Cumulative profile	7.93%	17.07%	26.51%	35.05%	41.72%	50.19%	58.57%	67.05%	75.37%	82.84%	91.47%	100.00%

	P1 Aug	P2 Sep	P3 Oct	P4 Nov	P5 Dec	P6 Jan	P7 Feb	P8 Mar	P9 Apr	P10 May	P11 Jun	P12 Jul
16 to 18 traineeships	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%	8.30%	8.35%	8.40%	8.40%	8.40%	8.35%
Cumulative profile	8.30%	16.60%	24.90%	33.20%	41.50%	49.80%	58.10%	66.45%	74.85%	83.25%	91.65%	100.00%

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Applies to England

What’s new?

Devolution of adult education functions

Introduction and purpose of the document

How this document can help you

Understanding the terminology

Contacting us

Section 1 - General funding requirements

Principles of funding

Who we fund

Residency eligibility

UK nationals and other persons with right of abode

UK nationals in the EEA and Switzerland

EEA and Switzerland nationals in the UK with EU Settlement Scheme

Irish citizens in UK or Ireland

Irish citizens in EEA and Switzerland

Other non-UK nationals

Family members of EU nationals

Family members of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

Joining family members under the EU Settlement Scheme

Late applications to the EU Settlement Scheme

Individuals with certain types of immigration status and their family members

Extension or variation of current immigration permission

Children of Turkish workers

Asylum seekers

Persons granted stateless leave

Individuals who are not eligible for funding

Learners in the armed forces

Learners temporarily outside of England

Learners who live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland

Fees and charging

Qualifying days for funding

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Breaks in learning

What we will not fund

Contracting

Staying on the Register of Training Organisations

Subcontracting

Match funding requirements relevant to the AEB

Evidence

Evidence Pack

Confirmation and signatures

Starting, participating and achieving

Leaving learning

Individualised learner record (ILR)

Self-declarations by learners

Section 2 – ESFA funded AEB

Provision and individuals we fund

Legal entitlements

Level 3 adult offer and the level 3 legal entitlement

Local flexibility

Local flexibility and legal entitlements

Government contribution charts

External links

Chart 1: 19 to 23-year-olds (age exception on traineeships 19- to 24-year-olds)

Chart 2: 24+

Definitions used in the AEB

Unemployed

Learners in receipt of low wage

Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driver training

Sector-based work academy programme (SWAP)

Level 3 free courses for jobs offer

Full level 2

Full level 3

Approved qualifications

Non-regulated learning

Learning in the workplace

English and maths for those aged 19 or older

Digital entitlement for those aged 19 or older

Individuals aged 19 to 23 (excluding English, maths, digital and ESOL)

Individuals aged 24 or older (excluding English, maths, digital and ESOL)

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

Learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

Learners with an education, health and care (EHC) plan

Community learning

Non-formula community learning funding

Pound Plus and local fee remission policy

Partnership working

Prince’s Trust Team Programme