Lifelong Learning Entitlement explained: how can AAT training providers access this fund for their students?

From January 2027 there will be a new funding system within England, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement fund (LLE). So, what is it, and what does this mean for our training providers and students?

What is LLE funding?

LLE is a new funding system for qualifications at levels 4, 5 and 6 which is set to transform the current post-18 student finance system. It will replace advanced learner loans, alongside Higher Education (HE) student finance loans. 

From September 2026, learners in England will be able to apply for LLE funding for the first time for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards, this includes the new AAT Level 4 Diploma for Professional Accounting Technicians qualification.  

LLE will allow people to develop new skills and gain new qualifications at a time that is right for them. The new funding stream also aims to support students accessing high quality courses that meet the skills gaps that many employers are facing, including the accounting and finance industry.  

You can also use the LLE for modules within a full course, rather than being required to take a full-time, traditional degree, making learning more accessible and adaptable. 

LLE for students and eligibility

From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for full courses at Levels 4 to 6 such as degrees, technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses. Students will also be able to use it for modules of high-value technical courses at Levels 4 and 5, and modules from full Level 6 qualifications which align to priority skills needs and the government’s industrial strategy. 

Eligible learners will be able to access a tuition fee loan up to £38,140 – equal to 4 years of study based on academic year 2025 to 2026 fee rates. LLE tuition loans will be available for people up to the age of 60, along with returning HE learners, although the amount of money returning learners can borrow is smaller. For courses with in-person attendance, a maintenance loan is available to cover living costs. 

LLE for training providers and eligibility

Training providers need to be registered with the Office for Students (OfS) to apply for LLE funding. A training provider can only register with the OfS if it is, or intends to become, a Higher Education Providers (HEPs) based in England, further education colleges in England, or providers offering designated distance-learning and online courses to English-domiciled learners 

What to do if you are not on the OfS register 

AAT training providers wishing to register with the OfS will need to ensure they can meet the Conditions of Registration. These are: 

• Condition A: access and participation for students from all backgrounds. 

• Condition B: quality, reliable standards and positive outcomes for all students.  

• Condition C: protecting the interests of all students. 

• Condition D: financial sustainability. 

• Condition E: good governance. 

• Condition F: information for students. 

• Condition G: accountability for fees and funding. 

Step by step guide to registration with OfS 

1. Read the conditions of registration and eligibility criteria set by the OfS. Eligibility criteria includes: It provides ‘higher education’, its activities are ‘principally carried on in England’ and it is an ‘institution’. 
   
2. Watch the OfS webinar OfS registration reforms – briefing for unregistered providers – Office for Students. 

3. Consider how long the process of registering might take and how it may affect your business planning. The indicative timeframe for a provider to become registered is typically one year, although this can vary depending on the circumstances of the application. 

4. Compile the necessary evidence for registration. 

5. Plan and submit the application through the registration section of the OfS portal – it is essential that your provider’s application is in the ‘manner and form’ set out in the application requirements notice and contains all the information the notice requires. 

6. OfS check the application is complete and confirm this with the provider, and then assess the eligibility. 

7. OfS finalise the assessment of initial conditions of registration and complete a risk assessment in relation to future compliance and make a registration decision. 

8. Outcome – OfS will confirm whether they approve or intend to refuse the application. 

Training providers can apply for OfS registration by clicking here. 

The OfS offers a pre-application virtual meeting for any training provider who is planning on registering to ensure they have fully understood the conditions and what is needed throughout the process. Alternatively, a helpful checklist which features all the requirements has also been created here. You can also watch a useful briefing from the OfS on the registration reforms here.  

What to do if you are already on the OfS register 

Training providers already registered with OfS need to submit an Expression of Interest before 17^th October 2025. The Department for Education will then conduct an assurance check on all training providers who have expressed an interest and ask for further information in cases where providers TEF and/or Ofsted ratings do not meet the criteria. A second Expression of Interest period will take place in spring 2026 (final dates to be confirmed).  

For more information, go to officeforstudents.org.uk.  

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.