We are delivering enhancements for the 2026/2027 funding year across several releases. This article summarises the changes being made and will be updated as each release is delivered.
Apprenticeship funding rules - compliance updates
Training plan v3 - terminology and branding (July/August 2026)
Training Plan v3 replaces v2.1 for new programmes starting from 1 August 2026. The update includes:
DWP logo replaces the DfE logo on all pages
"End-point assessment organisation (EPAO)" replaced with "assessment organisation"
"End-point assessment" replaced with "apprenticeship assessment"
"Gateway to assessment" replaced with "gateway to completion"
Section heading and explanatory text updated for the assessment section
Reference to Skills England replaces references to apprenticeship standards being published on the standard front page
Template versioned and labelled as v3
Previously generated and signed training plans on v2.1 are not affected. v2.1 remains available for existing programmes.
Updated commitment statements (July/August 2026)
The provider, employer, and learner commitment statements in the training plan are being rewritten to align with the V1 funding rules. The updated statements reflect current terminology, the transfer of responsibility to DWP, and the reformed assessment model.
Platform-wide terminology sweep (July/August 2026)
Retired terminology is being updated across the platform, including UI labels, help text, and process automation trackers. Terms being replaced include references to DfE, the apprenticeship levy, end-point assessment, EPAO, and gateway to assessment. Compliance documents generated for earlier funding years are not affected.
ILR specification changes
26/27 ILR schema and validation rules
The 26/27 ILR specification introduces updated validation rules, new reference data, and schema changes required for the new funding year. The 26/27 ILR is being released to a limited number of customers in June 2026, followed by a full release to all customers approximately two weeks later. This ensures providers can begin programme setup and data entry ahead of the new funding year. Additional validation rules — including hours record (HRS) validation, price reduction (RIP) validation, and apprenticeship unit-specific rules — have been implemented across the platform.