Maths and English Skills Relaxed for Adult Apprentices
A major policy change came into effect on 11 February 2025 that gives greater flexibility to adult apprentices (aged 19+) regarding their English and maths requirements. Under the new rules, apprentices who are 19 or older at the start of their apprenticeship will no longer have to meet mandatory English and maths exit requirements unless agreed upon with their employer.
What This Means for Employers and Apprentices
- Apprentices must continue studying English and maths until a discussion is held between the apprentice and their employer.
- Employers must decide whether apprentices should continue working toward their English and maths qualifications and communicate this decision to training providers by 1 April 2025.
- Training providers must record the outcome of this discussion in the apprentice’s training plan.
- Apprentices aged 16-18 at the start of their programme will still be required to achieve standalone English and maths qualifications.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Change
Ben Rowland, chief executive of the AELP, stated that the functional skills exit requirement is “one of the biggest barriers providers, employers, and apprentices face within the apprenticeship system, and has caused significant stress and missed opportunities for learners, meaning less progression and locking out many individuals from being able to access an apprenticeship opportunity.”
He added: “While good literacy and numeracy are important in work and life, it is right to remove this as an arbitrary requirement for adults.”
Jill Whittaker, co-founder and executive chair of hospitality apprenticeships provider HIT Training, told FE Week that removing the exit requirement for adults puts apprenticeships “on a level playing field with other post-16 programmes.”
However, she cautioned that the sector must not “throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Providers must “continue to offer high-quality English and maths support to those who want and need it.”
Key Takeaways
- Fewer Exams for Adult Apprentices – Functional Skills qualifications are no longer a mandatory exit requirement for those aged 19+.
- Changes to Exam Administration – With fewer learners needing exams, in-house provision may become less cost-effective.
- Cost Savings for Providers – A pay-per-exam approach, using external partners like PFS, could significantly reduce costs compared to running in-house exams.
- Maintaining High Standards – While the requirement has changed, providers are encouraged to continue supporting apprentices who wish to improve their English and maths skills.
This landmark policy change is expected to improve accessibility to apprenticeships and reduce unnecessary barriers for adult learners, while still ensuring that those who need support can access it.
If you have any questions regarding the change, contact us today. If you already have an apprentice with us or are an employer with questions, we’ll be in touch.
