Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to attract learners who have not accessed additional training and qualifications after leaving school or college to benefit from the Lifelong Learning Entitlement and to take higher qualifications at levels 4 and above.

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will transform the student finance system in England, broadening access to high quality, flexible education and training. Under the LLE, new learners will be able to access a full entitlement equal to four years of full-time tuition. This is currently equal to £38,140 based on fee rates for the 2025/26 academic year.

Returning learners who have previously received government support will have a reduced entitlement, depending on previous funding received. Learners will be able to use this new entitlement more flexibly than ever before to fund individual modules as well as full courses at levels 4 to 6, regardless of whether they are provided in colleges, universities or independent providers.

All courses and modules with in-person attendance that are eligible for LLE tuition funding will also be eligible for maintenance loans and targeted grants. This represents an expansion of the maintenance offer for part-time learners and those studying technical courses. The department will work with the Student Loans Company, as well as providers, employers and learner-facing organisations to provide clear information, advice and guidance to prospective learners, including those who have not accessed additional training and qualifications after leaving school or college.