Scope and start date
This page covers apprenticeships funded through the English system. The 2026–27 rules apply to starts from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027; a different funding year can mean different rules.
England only · 2026–27 overview
Understand apprenticeship funding
Funding can support structured development, but the route and employer contribution depend on the start date and individual circumstances. This is high-level information, not a funding decision, legal advice or financial advice.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate apprenticeship arrangements.
Level 7 funding restriction
For starts from 1 January 2026, government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships is generally limited to people aged 16 to 21, or under 25 with an Education, Health and Care plan and/or qualifying care experience; private funding may remain possible.
People who started a Level 7 apprenticeship before 1 January 2026 continue under the applicable arrangements. Confirm the intended start date against the current official rules.
Funding bands
A standard’s funding band is the maximum apprenticeship-service funding a levy payer can use, or the maximum government will co-invest towards. It is not automatically the provider’s price. Employers pay costs agreed above the band maximum.
Levy funds and transfers
Levy-paying employers use available apprenticeship-service funds, subject to the rules. Eligible unused funds can be transferred to another employer, but the sending and receiving employers must agree the commitment and relevant conditions still apply.
When employer contributions can apply
For starts from 1 August 2026, government contribution rates depend on the employer’s levy position, available funds and the apprentice’s age. For apprentices aged 25 or over, the published rate is 95% for non-levy employers and 75% where a levy payer has exhausted its funds, up to the band maximum. Employers cover the remainder.
Younger apprentices
For the same start period, government funds eligible training and assessment up to the band maximum for apprentices aged 16–24 where the employer does not pay the levy or a levy payer has exhausted its funds. Other eligibility conditions still apply.
Role and learner eligibility
The workplace, employment arrangements, occupational role, prior learning and the learner’s other circumstances all matter. Providers must account for relevant prior learning and adjust content, duration and price where appropriate.
Conversation preparation
Before you discuss funding
These prompts help identify what to check with a provider or adviser. They do not calculate eligibility, entitlement or an employer contribution. Your selections stay in this page and are not submitted or saved.
Due diligence
Before relying on a funding figure
- Confirm the standard is approved and appropriate to the learner's real job.
- Check the rules in force on the planned start date.
- Account for prior learning and any resulting reduction in content, duration or price.
- Confirm the employer's apprenticeship-service position and the provider's agreed price.
Official sources
Apprenticeship funding rules: 2026 to 2027 (version 3)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Apprenticeship fundingGOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Allocating apprenticeship funding bandsSkills England on GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)Level 7 apprenticeship funding restrictionSkills England (opens in a new tab)
Funding guidance verified against the sources above on 5 October 2026. Check GOV.UK again before committing to a start.