Funding guidance & compliance
Plain-English summaries of the current DfE/ESFA funding rules, generated from the versioned rulesets and refreshed when official guidance changes. Every topic links to its official source.
Funding streams
How each stream is funded and calculated.16–19 study programmes
How the national 16–19 funding formula works — band hours, the programme cost weighting, retention, disadvantage and area uplifts.
2026–27Adult Skills Fund (ASF)
The Adult Skills Fund (formerly AEB) for learners aged 19+, including full and co-funding, the disadvantage uplift and how devolution changes the rules.
2026–27Apprenticeships
How apprenticeship funding bands, on-programme and completion payments, and EPA work — plus the monthly earnings forecasting logic.
2026–27T Levels
Two-year technical programmes for 16–19 students, funded within the 16–19 formula with a large industry placement.
2026–27High needs funding
The three-element model for students with SEND, including the £6,000 of additional support and local authority top-up.
2026–27Advanced Learner Loans
Loans for learners aged 19+ studying at levels 3 to 6, with a bursary fund and ILR loan indicators.
2026–27Skills Bootcamps
Flexible, employer-led courses of up to 16 weeks for adults, with a guaranteed job interview or progression on completion.
2026–27Free Courses for Jobs (Level 3 entitlement)
The level 3 adult skills entitlement that fully funds a first full level 3 qualification from an approved list for eligible adults.
2026–27ESOL funding
How English for Speakers of Other Languages is funded through the Adult Skills Fund, including fee remission and entitlements.
2026–27Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
Level 4–5 technical qualifications approved as HTQs, and how they are funded through ASF, loans or HE student finance.
2026–27Multiply (adult numeracy)
The adult numeracy programme funding flexible maths provision for adults without a level 2 in maths.
2026–27Compliances
Eligibility, achievement rates and the ILR.QAR & achievement rates
How Qualification Achievement Rates are calculated, the difference between overall and timely achievement, and how to forecast them.
2026–27Residency & eligibility
The residency tests that determine whether a learner can be publicly funded, including the three-year ordinary residence rule.
2026–27ILR & funding monitoring
The ILR return cycle, validation rules, and the Funding Rules Monitoring areas ESFA reviews in-year.
2026–27Condition of funding: maths & English
Why 16–18 students without a GCSE grade 4 in maths or English must continue to study them — and the funding impact of not meeting the condition.
2026–27Apprenticeship off-the-job training
The off-the-job (OTJ) training requirement for apprenticeships — what counts, the minimum, and how it's evidenced.
2026–27Subcontracting & supply chain
The rules for delivering funded provision through subcontractors — fees, transparency, declarations and reducing reliance.
2026–27References
Background you'll reach for again and again.Devolved adult education
Which combined authorities hold devolved adult skills funding, how postcode devolution works, and why it changes each year.
2026–2716–19 Bursary & student support
The 16–19 Bursary Fund — the guaranteed vulnerable-student bursary, discretionary bursaries and free meals in further education.
2026–27Additional Learning Support (ALS)
Funding to help adult learners with additional needs access and achieve their learning aims — distinct from 16–19 high needs.
2026–27