DfE Update academies: 11 June 2025
Published 11 June 2025
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-11-june-2025/dfe-update-academies-11-june-2025
1. Information: 16 to 19 additional funding for academic year 2025 to 2026
On Thursday 5 June we published increased rates and programme cost weightings to reflect the £190 million additional investment we announced in May for colleges and other 16 to 19 providers.
We will deliver the investment through core 16 to 19 funding, particularly reflecting those subject areas where recruitment and retention challenges are greatest.
We expect to issue revised funding allocations later in June. Updated payments reflecting the increased rates will begin from the start of academic year 2025 to 2026.
2. Information: New entitlement to free school meals for all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit
On Thursday 5 June 2025 we announced a new entitlement to free school meals for all children in households in receipt of Universal Credit from September 2026.
This will apply to pupils and students, in all settings, where free meals are currently delivered, including schools, school-based nurseries and further education settings.
The new entitlement will be fully funded. Further details on the funding arrangements will follow in due course.
We will also roll over existing transitional protections until September 2026 in schools and in further education so that no child drops out of eligibility and then becomes eligible in September 2026 under the new criteria.
3. Information: Primary PE and sports premium funding for 2025 to 2026
This government recognises the value of PE, school sport and physical activity in supporting the physical health and mental wellbeing of children and young people.
All children, including the least active and those from most disadvantaged backgrounds, should have the access to high-quality PE and opportunities to be active.
To support this, the government will provide £320 million funding for the Primary PE and sport premium in the academic year 2025 to 2026 for all eligible schools to make additional and sustainable improvements to PE, school sport and physical activity.
In 2025 to 2026, schools will receive 2 equal payments; 50% of eligible funding will be delivered in autumn followed by a second 50% payment in spring using the same formula as in previous years.
The Primary PE and sport premium expenditure reporting return opened on Wednesday 11 June at 9am and will close on Thursday 31 July at 5pm.
To support mandatory completion, PE and sport premium for primary schools guidance is available on GOV.UK.
4. Information: Document exchange will be unavailable from 2pm on Thursday 12 June until 9am on Friday 13 June 2025
The Document exchange service will be unavailable from 2pm on Thursday 12 June until 9am on Friday 13 June 2025, for essential maintenance.
Users will not be able to log in and access documents published by DfE or send documents to DfE during this time.
If you need help with anything, contact the Customer Help Portal.
5. Reminder: Year-end funding claim for 2024 to 2025
The year-end funding claim window opened at 9am on Monday 9 June 2025 and you have until 5pm on Thursday 12 June 2025 to submit your year-end funding.
The claim form is available on submit learner data. The funding claims user guide to help you complete the form.
You will need to submit a claim if you receive funds through these contracts:
- grant funded – DfE-funded adult skills fund (ASF) (adult skills, tailored learning, funding? for innovative provision, and level 3 free courses for jobs offer)
- grant funded – advanced learner loans bursary (ALLB)
For 16 to 19 delivery, you do not need to take any action for the year-end (R10) funding claim.
The 16 to 19 delivery section of the funding claim only needs to be signed off for your final (R14) funding claim.
We will review claims to ensure they are substantiated by the data you have submitted in your individual learning record (ILR) and present value for money.
Once you have submitted your year-end funding claim on submit learner data, you will also be able to view it on Manage your education and skills funding.
If you have any queries, contact us through the Customer Help Portal.
6. Webinar: RPA Members only: Mock Trial
Tuesday 24 June 2025, 9am-midday. Register online.
7. Webinar: Q&A drop-in sessions: Academies chart of accounts and automation
Q&A drop-in sessions: Academies chart of accounts and automation.
Wednesday 25 June 2025, 12pm to 12:30pm Register on Eventbrite.
8. Webinars: The Buying for schools’ summer term webinar schedule is open for bookings
Are you responsible for buying goods and services for your school?
DfE Schools Commercial team hosts summer term free webinars - helping those who buy for schools save time, buy compliantly, and get great value.
View the full schedule and register.