DfE Update further education: 7 January 2026
Published 7 January 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dfe-update-7-january-2026/dfe-update-further-education-7-january-2026
1. Action: 2025 to 2026 advanced learner loans performance management point 2
The first time request form for obtaining an advanced learner loans contract is now available on GOV.UK.
Send your completed form to us through the Customer Help Portal by 5pm Monday 19 January 2026. You can also use the portal to contact us with any queries.
For details on the performance review of loans, read the advanced learner loans funding rules: 2025 to 2026.
2. Action: Care to Learn and 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for defined vulnerable groups funding claims
From academic year 2025 to 2026, we’ve changed how you access funding for the Care to Learn scheme and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, defined vulnerable groups element. We have explained this in the funding rules for each scheme.
The second window for you to submit new funding claim forms to us is now open.
You can use this window to submit any new funding claim that you did not submit in the first claim window. You are not permitted to adjust any claims you have already submitted.
Adjustments can only be made in the third window later in the year. The only exception is if we contacted you about the claim you submitted in the first window and agreed that you can resubmit it in the second window.
The deadline for your submission is 5pm Wednesday 11 February 2026.
We have published guidance to help you complete your submission which includes the link to the form.
3. Information: National Apprenticeship Week 2026
National Apprenticeship Week 2026 takes place from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 February 2026.
This week-long celebration brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
Visit the National Apprenticeship Week 2026 website for ideas, help and support to plan #NAW2026 activities or view the online calendar of events.
4. Your feedback: Share your feedback on adult funding communications
We are bringing together adult allocation statements, payment schedules and remittance advice into one place.
We invite anyone who works with these documents to feedback on the design in development.
Online feedback sessions will take place from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 January 2026 on Microsoft Teams and each session will last up to 60 minutes.
We will confirm your date and time after we receive your interest.
Register now to take part.