Funding update for the Academic Year 2026/2027
Find a learning aim (FaLA)
The DfE’s FaLA service has now been updated, and funding has rolled into the new academic year. This will mean that all funded Active IQ qualifications will now display 31st July 2027 as the last date for new starts. Remember, that this is the final date in the 26/27 academic year. We expect all funding to roll into the 27/28 academic year when that time comes.
Post-16 Skills pathways finalised
On 10th March, the DfE published their response to the post-16 pathways consultation. This finalised details for the new Level 2 and 3 16-19 funded vocational landscape, consisting solely of T Levels, V Levels, and Level 2 foundation certificates and occupational certificates.
Defunding timelines
The move to the new landscape means that all legacy qualifications will have funding removed for 16-19 learners. The principles of transition are:
- No defunding in July 2026.
- All large Level 3 (>1080GLH) in T Level areas defunded in July 2027 (except for large Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications, which will be defunded in July 2028)
- All other large Level 3 qualifications will be defunded when new T Levels are introduced.
- All other Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications will be defunded when new V Levels/Occ certs/Foundation certs are introduced.
What does this mean for sport and leisure?
L2 and 3 sport and leisure qualifications will all have their 16-19 funding removed on 31st July 2028. Nothing will be happening this year.
What does this mean for Active IQ’s reformed qualifications?
They will also lose 16-19 funding on that date but will remain funded for adult through ASF and loan funding.
Is there anything happening in adult funding?
No decisions have been taken about the future of adult funding, so as it stands, there are no plans to remove adult funding from any more qualifications.