Guidance

Summary of changes

Updated 15 April 2026

Applies to England

Introduction

We are committed to developing a simple system to make it easy for employers and providers to support delivery of apprenticeship units.

To support this aim, we published a draft of the apprenticeship unit funding rules for April 26 to July 26 to provide the sector with an opportunity to feedback on any areas of the rules that we could change or make even clearer before the final version was issued. We have now published version 1 of rules covering the period 28 April to 31 July 2026 and this summary of changes highlights changes that have been made following a review of the feedback. 

This document sets out amendments we have made to the Draft apprenticeship unit funding rules, April 2026 to 31 July 2026.

This document is intended as a summary of changes and does not replace the funding rules themselves. You should refer to the main funding rules document for the complete rules.

Summary of changes

Introduction and purpose of the document

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have removed the word draft (as these are now version 1 of the rules) and we have clarified that the rules come into force on 28 April 2026.	3

Individuals who are eligible for funding

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have clarified that Annex A of the latest version of the apprenticeship programme should be used to determine eligibility for an apprenticeship unit.	21.1

Recognition of prior learning and experience

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: The recognition of prior learning and experience section has been updated to clarify how the learners existing skills and knowledge might be assessed.	26.2

Delivery hours

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have added examples of face-to-face activities which would count as delivery hours.	45
Clarification: We have clarified that a learner can catch up on a missed session by watching a recording and it count as delivery hours.	50.3

The training plan

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have clarified that the provider needs to keep evidence that the training plan has been delivered.	Evidence box

Assessment of the apprenticeship unit (skills test and validation)

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have clarified that the provider can design the skills test or get it from an expert third party.	60

Eligible costs of training and assessment

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have clarified that delivery of assessment activities is an eligible cost.	65.5
Clarification: We have clarified that providers can use their profit to fund ineligible costs	66

Ineligible costs – training

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have deleted a paragraph relating to ineligible costs.	69.2.8

Paying for an apprenticeship unit

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have clarified that apprenticeship units have a funding rate not a funding band.	Various

Funds in an employer’s apprenticeship service account

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have added a reference to further paragraphs which have an impact on the apprenticeship unit price.	72.1 to 72.2

Use of an employer’s apprenticeship service account

Change	Paragraph Number(s)
Clarification: We have clarified that data must be approved by the R14 collection relating to the academic year that the payment is due for a payment to be made.	81.1