DfE update 25 March 2026

DfE’s update from 25 March 2026 provides the latest information for further education, academies and local authorities, including funding allocations for 2026–2027 (16–19 and adult skills) and updates to pupil premium and the dedicated schools grant. It also covers funding streams such as the inclusive mainstream fund, inclusive early years fund, and changes to apprenticeship funding (withdrawal of government funding from 16 apprenticeship standards) along with details on foundation apprenticeships, apprenticeship units, and employer incentives for hiring young apprentices. Additional items include administrative and assurance updates (subcontracting declarations for 2025–2026, college accounts direction and external auditors framework) and reminders about staff surveys and upcoming education-record webinars.