Apprenticeship assessment reforms for 2025-26

Key changes for 2025-26

Understand the latest funding rule updates and communication changes to ensure compliance and success.

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What’s changing in the funding rules?

1. Shorter duration

For new starts from 1 August 2025, the minimum duration of any apprenticeship standard has been reduced to 8 months (down from 12 months).

However, the apprenticeship standard specification or assessment plan may require this practical period of training to be longer, to support the delivery of the full apprenticeship content.

2. English and maths requirements

  • 16-18 year olds: Must present evidence of achievement at Gateway.
  • 19+ apprentices: Providers must supply evidence of attempt, but achievement is not required for completion of the apprenticeship.

3. New terminology

To align with the revised approach, the following terminology changes have been introduced:

  • Apprenticeship assessment replaces End-Point Assessment (EPA)
  • Assessment Organisation replaces EPA Organisation (EPAO)
  • Gateway to Completion replaces Gateway.

4. Flexible assessment timing

The new principles allow for more flexible assessment timing.

Elements of the apprenticeship assessment can occur on-programme, such as assessments during work-based projects, not just at the end.

This may allow elements of the assessment to be completed before Gateway to Completion.

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Communication and operational changes

Transition arrangements

  • For apprenticeship standards not yet revised, the existing EPA rules in the current funding rules will apply.
  • For revised assessment plans, the updated rules outlines in Annex B of the new funding rules will take precedence.

Why these reforms matter

  • Streamlining and flexibility: Simplified rules mean faster apprenticeship deliver and fewer administrative barriers.
  • Clarity for providers: Unified terminology and funding rules reduce confusion.
  • Employer-led quality assurance: Behavioural assessments reply on workplace validation, which promotes on-the-job accountability and relevance.

Final notes from SFJ Awards

These changes reflect both the updated Apprenticeship Funding Rules (2025/26) and the Assessment Principles published in February 2025. However, the process is ongoing, and further updates are likely as more revised standards and supporting documents are released.

Please remain attentive to future updates and ensure that your internal systems and delivery approaches are kept up to date and aligned with evolving requirements and best practices.

For more information, please contact us.

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Frequently asked questions on the apprenticeship assessment reforms

  • What’s the new minimum duration for an apprenticeship?

    Apprenticeships starting from 1 August 2025 now have a minimum duration of 8 months instead of 12, though the duration may still be extended to meet specific training requirements.

  • What are the new English and Maths rules?
    • 16–18 year olds: must have evidence of achievement at Gateway to Completion.
    • 19+ apprentices: must show evidence of at least an attempt (e.g. entry or exam attendance), though full achievement isn’t mandatory.
  • Do behaviours still require formal assessment?

    No. Under the new reforms, employers verify apprentice behaviours in the workplace. Formal assessment of behaviours by providers or assessment organisations is no longer required.

  • How does the transition between the old rules and the new rules work?

    During the transitional phase (starting October 2025):

    • Apprenticeship standards not yet updated follow existing EPA rules
    • Revised standards adopt new principles detailed in Annex B of the 2025/26 Funding Rules
  • Will funding rule changes affect programme scheduling?

    Yes. The link between off‑the‑job training hours and overall programme duration has been removed. Each apprenticeship standard now specifies its required off‑job training hours, allowing for more flexible and tailored scheduling.

  • Who ensures assessment quality under the new system?

    Assessment plans must adhere to revised funding rules and the apprenticeship assessment principles. Assessment organisations take greater responsibility for setting and marking assessments, while employers confirm behaviours.

  • How can SFJ Awards help with these changes?
    • We track all funding rule updates and policy shifts.
    • We ensure your standards, whether updated or transitional, stay compliant.
    • We support providers and employers with tailored processes, documentation, and guidance.

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