Uk Education And Skills Funding Agency

Learner Entry Tool for ILR File Setup Guidance

The Department for Education (DfE) updated guidance on the Learner Entry Tool for Individualised Learner Record (ILR) file setup. The tool helps smaller further education providers (with up to 500 learners) format and submit ILR data correctly. Version 2025 to 2026 documents were added, including known issues and user guide. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) closed on 31 March 2025, with activity transferred to DfE.

DfE Post-16 Funding Assurance Process for Education Providers

The Department for Education (DfE) and Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) published guidance on post-16 funding assurance processes for further education and apprenticeship providers in England. The guidance outlines what providers can expect if selected for audit, provides step-by-step evidence collection processes, and details internal controls providers should maintain. ESFA closed on 31 March 2025, with all activity transferred to DfE, though providers must continue following this guidance.

Funding Higher Risk Organisations and Subcontractors Policy

The Department for Education (DfE) has published policy on identifying and managing 'high risk' education providers accessing post-16 funding streams. The policy defines risk criteria, the decision-making process, and possible funding actions DfE may take. The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) closed on 31 March 2025, with all activity transferred to DfE. The policy was most recently updated on 10 February 2026 to expand risk identification criteria and clarify applicability.

Schools Income and Expenditure Reporting Framework

The Department for Education (DfE) publishes guidance on the Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) framework for maintained schools and pupil referral units in England. The framework provides standard templates for schools to collect and report income and expenditure data by financial year. Schools must submit financial statements to their local authorities using approved headings under The Consistent Financial Reporting (England) Regulations 2012. Annual frameworks are published for 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 school years.

16 to 19 Funding Rates and Formula Guidance Updated for 2025-2026 Academic Year

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) has updated its 16 to 19 funding rates and formula guidance for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. The latest guidance covers the period 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026. ESFA notes it closed on 31 March 2025 with all activity transferred to the Department for Education. Updated documents include increased rates and programme cost weightings, as well as new T Level funding rates.