DfE Update academies: 9 July 2025
Published 9 July 2025
Applies to England
Information: Maths and English condition of funding
We have made the maths and English condition of funding guidance for academic year 2025 to 2026 clearer following feedback from the sector.
The clarifications cover the:
- need for institutions to help all eligible students make progress in English and maths
- support institutions can draw upon for this, including targeted support from the FE Commissioner, DfE’s continuous professional development offer, and the Maths Hub Programme
- role of exams in helping students make progress, meaning institutions should consider carefully which students to enter into November resit exams
- role of stepping stones qualifications at Level 1 and below in helping students make progress
These clarify our expectations for how institutions should help students make progress in English and maths and the support they can draw on for this.
We have based the clarifications on evidence of effective practice in the sector which leads to better outcomes for students.
Reminder: PE and sports premium data collection
Thank you to all those schools who have already completed the Primary PE and sports premium expenditure reporting return and for bearing with us whilst we fixed the digital glitch in the system.
Many schools have found it helpful to refer to the PE and sport premium for primary schools guidance when completing the returns to ensure they are staying in line with the conditions of the grant.
The form is live until 5pm Thursday 31 July.
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Webinar: Academies technical update 2025 to 2026
Tuesday 15 July 2025, 12pm to 12:45pm. Register on Eventbrite.
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Wednesday 23 July 2025, 2pm to 2:45pm. Register on Eventbrite.