Lifelong Learning Entitlement

On 30 October 2024, the Chancellor announced, as part of the Autumn Budget Statement, a year’s postponement to the launch of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

The LLE system will launch in academic year 2026/27 for learners studying courses starting on or after 1 January 2027.

You can read more about the changes in the policy paper on GOV.UK.

We’ve been involved in the early policy thinking to help initiate policy implementation work, and so we can be confident of being in a good position to deliver an operational system for academic year 2025/26.

Policy communication

We recognise the size of the business change across the sector and the importance of working with DfE, the OfS and the FE and HE sector. We understand that we need to consider all dependencies and requirements for collaborative working with these groups to make the LLE a success.

DfE continues to lead on stakeholder engagement to inform policy development and raise awareness within the sector. We’ll continue to work alongside DfE and OfS to support the communication of the LLE. We'll also continue to engage with stakeholders and partner organisations on operational design and implementation planning, to deliver this new student finance system.

Feedback and insight

Currently, we are designing the operational system. We welcome feedback and insight from the sector, through our existing channels and commissioned focus groups.

We’ve created the HE Advisory Group to support the design and development of the SLC operational system. The early focus is on what we need for course management and the links to providers’ course curriculum and specifications work.

We’ll provide updates within our other user groups and regional forums will provide updates. We'll also seek input from our HE provider and FE learning provider contacts, as we plan for more widespread communications.