Correspondence

DfE Update local authorities: 5 November 2025

Published 5 November 2025

Applies to England

1. Action: 2026 to 2027 high needs place change process

The high needs place change notification process for 2026 to 2027 is now open.

Please request changes to the high needs place numbers in DfE-funded schools and colleges for the 2026 to 2026 academic year on or before Friday 5 December 2025.

If no changes are requested, in most cases, 2025 to 2026 academic year place numbers will be used.

You can request changes using the MS Excel workbook which is available to download via a digital form. We have published instructions on how to access the form and download the template alongside accompanying guidance on the high needs place change notification process, including information on how to complete the place change workbook.

We have published the spring 2025 census data for high needs pupil numbers in special academies and free schools, and the place numbers for the 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 academic years.

We issued ILR R06 data to local authorities, with the import/export adjustment in June 2025. You can use this to inform local discussions about commissioning arrangements for the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

2. Information: School uniform guidance

We have now published updated statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms containing both statutory and draft statutory guidance.

The draft guidance (presented in text boxes) relates to the proposed limit on compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit. We intend to introduce this limit from September 2026.

Schools are strongly advised to act now in readiness for 2026, including making any necessary changes to uniform policies and working with suppliers to resolve any contractual implications.

3. Information: Condition funding for financial year 2026 to 2027

On 21 October 2025 we confirmed the launch of the 2026 to 2027 bidding round for the condition improvement fund (CIF) and contacted eligible schools.  

Eligible schools in smaller academy trusts and smaller voluntary aided (VA) bodies and sixth-form colleges should apply to CIF, if they have condition investment requirements.  

Local authorities, eligible larger multi-academy trusts (MATs) and larger VA school bodies will instead receive a school condition allocation (SCA) to invest across the schools for which they are responsible.  

MATs and VA groups that are eligible for SCA in 2026 to 2027 have been notified.

4. Information: Update on apprenticeship assessment changes coming

Further to our DfE Update article on Wednesday 15 October, Skills England has now published the initial group of revised assessment plans, as illustrative examples, in line with the Apprenticeship Assessment Principles published in February 2025.

The revised assessment plans are for assistant accountant,  data technician and early years educator.

 We have also published an accompanying guidance document, changes to apprenticeship assessment, 2025 to 2026.

The changes are intended to streamline the apprenticeship assessment process, enable design and delivery flexibility, and remove any duplication.

Where appropriate, assessment will be able to take place during the programme as well as towards the end. Training providers may also be able to deliver elements of assessment whilst assessment organisations continue to ensure validity of outcomes.

While these plans are not available for live use just yet, they demonstrate the principles that will underpin revised assessment plans and help employers, training providers, and assessment organisations prepare for future delivery.

We will provide further details on implementation, including when apprentices can begin being assessed under the new plans. Current end-point assessments remain in place.

5. Information: Updated Ofsted apprenticeship intervention policy

As the sector adapts to the new Ofsted Inspection Framework, we are updating our apprenticeship intervention policy.

The core principles of our existing accountability policy remain unchanged. We remain committed to high-quality apprenticeship provision and will act decisively where Ofsted judgements raise serious concerns.

We understand the sector’s concerns about the framework’s complexity and timing. We will evaluate each case according to its own circumstances and take a proportionate approach, particularly during the first 12 months of transition. We are committed to supporting providers while maintaining our focus on quality and learner outcomes.

Ofsted judgements are just one part of the apprenticeship accountability framework. We will continue to take a holistic view of provider performance, using multiple data sources with the learner experience central to our decisions.

The apprenticeship accountability framework will be updated by Friday 28 November.

6. Reminder: Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, defined vulnerable groups element, funding claim form

The Care to Learn scheme and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, defined vulnerable groups element, funding claim forms are now live. The deadline for your submission is 5pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025.

We will not accept funding claims that miss the closing date. These must be submitted in the second claims window.

We’ve published guidance to help you complete your submission which includes the link to the form.

7. Your feedback: Help us to shape the future of education estate management

Are you responsible for managing the land and buildings of your school or further education college?

We are developing a new online service called Manage your education estate and inviting people who work in dioceses, local authorities and further education colleges at a responsible body level and are involved in estates management, maintenance, or operations to be part of a group of users with first access to this new service. 

You will be invited to access the service for the next few months, and your feedback will inform improvements to the service ahead of a wider rollout. 

Optional feedback activities might consist of:   

• answering survey questions   
• taking part in a follow-up session with a researcher
• trying out features and sharing your thoughts      

To register your interest in taking part, fill out our registration form and one of our team will then contact you.

8. Webinar: Risk protection arrangement members only - Accident Investigation (Near Misses) Workshop

Thursday 13 November 2025 at 10am to midday. Register online.

9. Webinar: Financial benchmarking Insights Tool webinar

Thursday 13 November 2025 at 2pm to 2.30pm. Register online.

10. Webinar: Senior Leadership & Operations Power Hour: Estates Management Standards webinar

Thursday 20 November 2025 at 3pm to 4pm. Register online.