Key changes of funding rules from Version 2 to Version 3 (January 2026)
The key changes in Version 3 are relatively limited and mainly provide clarification and support for the ongoing transition to the reformed apprenticeship system:
• Assessment reform transition clarified – DfE confirmed that revisions to apprenticeship assessment plans will be introduced in phases from October 2025, with a transition period expected to last 12–18 months. Existing EPA-based assessment arrangements remain in place until standards are formally revised.
• Redundancy and standard-version changes – The rules were clarified to confirm that provisions relating to redundancy and changing to a new version of a standard apply to both new and existing apprentices, regardless of their original start date.
• Further assessment guidance added – Additional detail was included in Annex B and supporting guidance to help providers, employers and awarding organisations manage the transition from end-point assessment to the new assessment model.
• Policy and technical clarifications – A number of minor wording and compliance clarifications were made throughout the rules to improve consistency and interpretation rather than introduce major new funding policies.
