GuildHE CEO Dr Brooke Storer-Church responds to today’s letter to the sector from Minister for Skills Jacqui Smith, which confirmed updated policy detail for implementation of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).
"We welcome DfE's clarification on the future of the LLE and are grateful for the work undertaken to minimise regulatory overlap.
Limiting those who can provide modules in this new system to institutions that have achieved either TEF Gold or Silver undermines the OfS Register as a threshold for high quality provision. It privileges those who've performed well in an exercise meant to judge excellent quality above baseline requirements and is, therefore, a risk to the success of the LLE which also misrepresents the high academic standards of all institutions on the OfS Register.
We look forward to working with DfE to determine new pathways forward to ensure the widest number of high-quality providers are able to deliver the LLE's ambitions."
The LLE, a single funding system for post-18 learners, will launch in January 2027. Modular delivery will include Levels 4-5 HTQs and Level 6 programmes that align with priority sector skills identified by Skills England. For learners who have already spent their entitlement, there will be additional loan entitlement for a defined set of public sector priority courses.
Modular delivery applications for eligible institutions will open shortly. Those that do not meet the criteria will be required to provide additional information to demonstrate their capability, resource and readiness for modular delivery.
Members can view our Policy Briefing in the Member Area of our website.