Correspondence

DfE Update academies: 2 July 2025

Published 2 July 2025

Applies to England

1. Information: Updated learning aim references for generation 2 T Levels

We have published a revised version of the T Level and transition programme cost weighting and funding bands spreadsheet.

This now contains all learning aim references for the qualifications that have been updated under the ‘generation 2’ new delivery contract with the awarding organisation.

2. Information: Shorter teaching apprenticeships available from August 2025

From Friday 1 August 2025, the recommended duration of postgraduate teaching apprenticeships (PGTA) will be reduced to 9 months (currently 12), aligning with the school year and making easier for people to train to teach.

Courses will still offer the same high-quality content but at a reduced length, with trainees obtaining qualified teacher status after they have completed the programme.   

The PGTA has seen a 58% growth in recent years, showing how popular the route is, giving participants the chance to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience in the classroom.

The PGTA is a great way for schools to recruit and train the high-quality teachers they need.

These changes are part of the government’s efforts to recruit an additional 6,500 teachers, alongside the new degree level teacher apprenticeship and teaching assistant apprenticeships.

Search and apply for teacher training courses in England.

3. Your feedback: Tell us about your experience of our funding service

If you receive education and skills funding, we want to hear about your experience.

Please complete this short survey by Friday 4 July 2025, it should take you 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

We aspire to run an excellent education and skills funding service that gives providers as much certainty as possible.

The survey, run twice a year, asks whether we deliver:

• certainty on what we pay you and when
• clarity on how to comply with funding rules
• services that are accessible and easy to use
• answers when you have funding-related queries

We will keep your personal data confidential, and your feedback will help us to improve the service.

4. Webinar: Get help buying for schools webinar

Tuesday 8 July 2025, 9:30am to 10am. Register online.

5. Webinar: Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school or trust webinar

Tuesday 8 July 2025, 11am to 11:30am. Register online.

6. Webinar: Academy Finance Professionals July Power Hour: Academy Trust Handbook

Thursday 10 July 2025 3pm to 4pm. Register on Eventbrite.

7. Webinar: Academies technical update 2025 to 2026

Tuesday 15 July 2025, midday to 12:45pm. Register on Eventbrite.

8. Event: School flooding solution

Is your school affected by surface water flooding? We match funding (up to 50%) for sustainable drainage systems that reduce flood risk on your grounds.

Projects range from simple planters to comprehensive solutions including rain gardens, tree pits and detention basins.

DfE’s Schools Water Strategy team will be holding an event that will help you understand how this funding could benefit your school through reduced flood risks and enhanced outdoor learning spaces.

You’ll learn about the application process and have the opportunity to connect with potential partners including local flood authorities and water companies who could strengthen your funding bid.

Funding for the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) in the schools grant scheme is subject to approval in the 2026 government budget.

Register your interest through our online form to secure your place and help create a more sustainable, flood-resilient school environment.