Correspondence

DfE Update local authorities: 22 July 2026

Published 22 July 2026

Applies to England

Action: Final request to upload your subcontracting standard evidence by Monday 31 August 2026

This is a final reminder to upload your 2025 to 2026 subcontracting standard files to Document exchange by 31 August 2026.

Provide the following files under the correct document type:

• subcontracting standard RAG rated report – the independent auditor’s RAG-rated report (PDF or Word).
• subcontracting standard statement – the provider’s signed and dated declaration (PDF or Word).
• subcontracting standard self-assessment – the independent auditor’s completed self-assessment workbook (Excel spreadsheet only).

We may reject incorrect submissions which will cause a delay.

Before submitting, check that all files relate to the 2025 to 2026 funding year.

Action: Prepare for the school estate management standards annual return

Responsible bodies should read the new guidance on the school estate management standards annual return and make sure they can access manage your education estate before submissions open in the third week of September 2026.

The annual return will help responsible bodies assess how they meet the school estate management standards and provide information to DfE about implementation and support needs.

You should:

• read the annual return guidance
• check that the right people in your organisation can access ‘Manage your education estate’ through DfE Sign-in
• review the school estate management standards
• identify any gaps and priorities ahead of the autumn return

You can also use manage your education estate to:

• access tools and checklists to support estate management
• find guidance on effective estate management practice
• prepare for submission of the annual return

Early preparation will support a smooth submission process.

Information: Apprenticeship funding rules for 2026 to 2027

Version 2 of the apprenticeship funding rules for the 2026 to 2027 funding year is now available.

These rules apply to apprenticeships that start on or after 1 August 2026. The main updates relate to changes to co-investment requirements. You should review the updated rules to understand how the changes affect apprenticeship delivery and funding.

Read the summary of changes for full details of the updates included in version 2.

Information: Apprenticeship unit funding rules for 2026 to 2027

Version 1 of the apprenticeship unit funding rules for the 2026 to 2027 funding year is now available.

These rules apply to apprenticeship units that start on or after 1 August 2026.

You should review the rules to understand how they affect apprenticeship unit delivery and funding.

Read the summary of changes for full details of the updates included in version 1.

Apprenticeship unit technical funding guide from August 2026

The apprenticeship unit technical funding guide for August 2026 is now available.

The guide explains apprenticeship unit funding policy in England and how the apprenticeship unit funding system works for new starts on or after 1 August 2026.

You can use the guide to understand funding arrangements and support delivery planning.

Apprenticeship workforce development resources

Apprenticeship workforce development (AWD) resources remain available until September 2026 under the Open Government Licence.

Although the AWD programme closed in April 2026, providers and employers can continue to access AWD resources that support apprenticeship delivery, learner support and workforce development. They provide practical tools, guidance and examples of effective practice to support high-quality apprenticeships.

Users have reported improvements in apprentice reviews, learner conversations, programme oversight and collaboration across training organisations and employers.

Skills Bootcamp eligibility extended for young people

Young people will now be able to join a Skills Bootcamp from the day they turn 19.

Previously, eligibility was limited to learners who turned 19 on or before Monday 31 August, meaning some young people had to wait until the next academic year to access training.

The change means eligible learners can start training sooner, helping them gain skills for employment more quickly through earlier access to courses. Local areas who deliver Skills Bootcamps will receive updated funding guidance with more detail on the change as it is implemented.

We are also updating the individualised learner record for the 2026 to 2027 academic year so that the additional starts can be captured.

This supports the government’s ambition to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training, or who are at risk of becoming so.

Feedback: Help shape a new service for buying management information systems

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We’re carrying out user research to design a new service that will help schools, trusts and local authorities choose and buy an MIS. By taking part, you’ll help us create a practical, useful and easy to use service.

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