Correspondence

DfE Update further education: 10 June 2026

Published 10 June 2026

Applies to England

1. Information: Adult skills fund – funding rules, funding rates  and formula guidance for the 2026 to 2027 financial year

We have published the following adult skills fund (ASF) 2026 to 2027 financial year documents: 

• ASF: funding rules
• ASF: funding rates and formula                                                                                                         

These apply to all education and training providers who receive Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) ASF funding  from DfE.

There are no substantial changes from the previous year. You can see a full breakdown of the changes in the ‘What’s new’ sections of both guides.

If you have any questions after reading our guides, you can contact us through the customer help centre.

2. Information: Rates and calculation for the inclusive mainstream fund for 16 to 19 providers 

Read our inclusive mainstream fund for 16 to 19 providers: methodology 2026 to 2027 for confirmation on the:

• rates for financial year 2026 to 2027
• calculation process for allocations

We have also published the inclusive mainstream fund allocations for 16 to 19 providers. We expect to pay the grant in one payment in July 2026.

3. Information: Publication of the financial handbook for independent training providers 2026 

We have published an updated version of the financial handbook for independent training providers (ITPs), which will come into effect 1 August 2026.

The handbook applies to ITPs that receive funding directly from DfE and DWP, for the duration of their contracts for services.

It sets out financial governance, management, oversight, and assurance, outlining requirements and recommendations for ITPs based on the level of funding they receive.

This edition of the handbook introduces no new requirements. Changes are limited and primarily reflect the shared ministerial responsibilities held between DfE and DWP for delivery by ITPs.

Read the ‘What has changed in this edition’ section for full details.

4. Information: Applications are open for Cohort 8 of the Teacher Mentoring Programme in Further Education

We are pleased to announce applications are now open for Cohort 8 of the Teacher Mentoring Programme in Further Education (FE). Managed by Cognition Learning Group, this initiative aims to enhance mentoring within your organisation, particularly the support provided to early career teachers (ECTs).

Fully funded by DfE, eligible FE providers can apply for an optional grant of up to £3,300 per participating mentor, for up to 10 mentors, totalling a maximum of £33,000. This grant is intended to cover mentors’ remission time to complete 27.5 hours of guided learning and at least 18 hours of mentoring practice with their ECT mentees.

Cohort 8 will run from Monday 2 November 2026 to Friday 12 February 2027.

To express interest or apply, visit Teacher Mentoring Programme.

For further questions about the programme or mentoring offer, email tmpenquiries@cognitioneducation.com.

5. Information: Promotion of the further education Mentoring Network Grant for teacher mentoring

We are pleased to confirm the continuation of the Mentoring Network Grant, managed by Cognition Learning Group. Applications are still being accepted.

This grant supports individual FE providers to strengthen and embed their own mentoring provision while also encouraging collaboration across the sector to share and promote good practice. The aim is to build a sustainable evidence-based mentoring culture.

The Mentoring Network Grant opened on Monday 4 May 2026 and will run until Friday 26 February 2027.

Eligible providers can apply for grants of up to £5,000. Funding is flexible and can be used for activities such as:

• remission cost
• resource development
• collaborative initiatives

To apply or express interest visit Cognition Learning Group.

For queries, email the team at tmpenquiries@cognitioneducation.com.

6. Information: New apprenticeship unit toolkit now available

A new toolkit is now available to help training providers engage employers and increase the uptake of apprenticeship units.

Apprenticeship units offer short and targeted training based on existing apprenticeship occupational standards. They help employers address specific and urgent skills gaps in their workforce. They are not designed for people starting a new career or occupation.

These units give training providers an opportunity to expand their offer, deliver new programmes and strengthen relationships with employers. They also support employers to upskill staff quickly and effectively.

The training provider toolkit brings together key information and practical resources to support employer engagement activities. It includes guidance and materials to help providers promote apprenticeship units and communicate their benefits clearly.

Use the toolkit to support your engagement with employers and make the most of this new training opportunity.

7. Information: Year 11 pupils can access digital education records

Year 11 pupils in England whose schools joined the national pilot can now access their digital education record.

The record brings together key information in one place, including:

• name, date of birth and address
• schools attended
• official exam results such as GCSEs
• support needs

Education records help pupils share accurate information for post-16 applications and enrolment.

FE providers can connect their management information system (MIS) to the education record service if their vendor has set up integration. We have created a simple process to support vendors to do this.

If your MIS vendor has not set up integration, learners should show their record on enrolment day.

You can find out more about education records.

We will be hosting 3 education record webinars for colleges, sixth forms and FE providers during June and July 2026. For more information and links to sign up, visit our ‘Events and Webinars’ section below.

8. Information: Funding Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards and Alliance schemes through the non-devolved adult skills fund

From 1 August 2026, we will fund Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards and associated Alliance scheme cards for learners in non-devolved areas who are enrolled on eligible construction courses through the ASF and free courses for jobs. This will also include funding for the health and safety test.

In devolved areas, Strategic Authorities will decide whether CSCS card costs can be funded.

We will publish further details in the ASF funding rules on how to record and claim card costs. Funding will only be available for learners enrolled on an appropriate construction course linked to that card.

9. Feedback: Help us improve 16 to 19 allocation information

We are improving how 16 to 19 funding information is presented, specifically calculation information about allocation statements for 16 to 19 funding.

We would welcome your feedback on the design currently in development and encourage participation if your role involves accessing and using these documents.

Online feedback sessions will run from Wednesday 1 July to Monday 6 July 2026. Sessions will take place via Microsoft Teams and will last up to 60 minutes.
Register your expression of interest to take part. We will then contact you to confirm your session date and time.

Your feedback will help make funding information clearer, easier to access and more consistent.

10. Events and webinars: Education record webinars for colleges, sixth forms and FE providers

Monday 22 June 2026, 2:30pm to 3:15pm. Register on Teams.

Tuesday 30 June 2026, 2pm to 2:45pm. Register on Teams.

Monday 6 July 2026, 3pm to 3:45pm. Register on Teams.