As we approach the new academic year, starting August 2025, the landscape of apprenticeships in the UK is undergoing significant evolution. The Department for Education (DfE) and Ofqual have released updated funding rules and assessment principles, aiming to make apprenticeships more flexible, responsive to employer needs, and streamlined. For Prostart learners and employers in the East Midlands, understanding these changes is key to maximising the benefits of apprenticeship programmes.

Key Dates for the New Academic Year (2025/2026)

The new academic year officially begins on August 1, 2025. This date marks the implementation of several key changes to apprenticeship funding and assessment rules.

While we run rolling timetables and allow Apprentices to join at any time of the year, the period from September to November 2025 is typically a peak time for apprenticeship recruitment and new starts. Learners looking to embark on their journey should be aware of these busy months for applications and programme commencements.

What’s New in Apprenticeship Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment Methods?

The reforms represent the most significant shift in apprenticeship assessment in a decade, moving away from the traditional End-Point Assessment (EPA) model towards a more integrated approach.

1. Streamlined and Flexible Assessment:

• “Apprenticeship Assessment” replaces “End-Point Assessment (EPA)”: The terminology is changing to reflect a broader, more continuous assessment approach.
• On-Programme Assessment: A major shift is that elements of an apprentice’s assessment will now be able to take place “on-programme” rather than solely at the end of the apprenticeship. This allows for more continuous evaluation of skills and knowledge as they are developed.
• Provider Involvement in Marking: Training providers, like Prostart, will now be permitted to deliver and mark some elements of the assessment, under appropriate oversight from Awarding Organisations (AOs). Ofqual suggests AOs should still mark a “substantial proportion” (e.g., around 40%) to maintain independence and quality.
• Synoptic Assessment: Awarding Organisations will be required to include a synoptic assessment, ensuring apprentices can integrate knowledge and skills across different areas of their learning.

2. Shorter Duration for Some Standards:

• For new starts from August 1, 2025, the minimum duration of any apprenticeship standard has been reduced from 12 months to 8 months, where appropriate for the specific standard and if the practical training period allows for full content delivery. This aims to provide faster pathways to skilled employment.

3. Changes to English and Maths Requirements (for 19+ apprentices):

• Functional Skills in English and Maths have become optional for apprentices aged 19 and over. This aims to reduce barriers for adult learners and allow them to focus more directly on their occupational skills. Providers must still determine, with the apprentice and employer, if these qualifications are needed.

4. Simplified Off-the-Job Training (OTJT) Rules:

• Instead of complex calculations, there will now be a set minimum OTJT figure for each apprenticeship standard, simplifying administrative burdens for employers and providers.

5. New Entry Route: Foundation Apprenticeships:

• A brand-new entry-level option, Foundation Apprenticeships at Level 2, is being introduced. These are aimed at young people (16-21, extending to 25 for those with EHC plans, care leavers, or prison leavers) to help them take their first steps into careers in key sectors.

6. Employer Role in Behaviours Assessment:

• The responsibility for verifying that apprentices have demonstrated the required workplace behaviours will transfer to employers, without requiring formal assurance from Awarding Organisations. This aims to foster greater employer ownership and more authentic assessment of workplace conduct.

Spotlight: The Upcoming Business Administrator Level 2 Apprenticeship

A significant development for the new academic year is the anticipated launch of the new Level 2 Administration Assistant apprenticeship standard. This long-awaited pathway is set to launch as early as September 2025, with a provisional funding band of £6,000.

This new Level 2 standard is crucial as it fills a significant gap left when the original Level 2 Business Administration framework was withdrawn in 2020. It is designed specifically for individuals starting their careers, such as school leavers or those re-entering the workforce, who may have little or no prior workplace experience.

Key distinctions and focus of the new Level 2 compared to Level 3:

• Entry Point: Level 2 focuses on foundational competence for entry-level roles.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs): The Level 2 standard has clear KSBs distinct from Level 3. It emphasizes routine tasks, understanding basic systems and procedures, and supportive roles (e.g., booking rooms, filing documents, basic digital skills).
• Independence: Level 2 learners are expected to work under close supervision, following established procedures, whereas Level 3 apprentices demonstrate more initiative and independent decision-making.

This reintroduction of a clear Level 2 pathway is a positive step for social mobility and provides a structured “apprenticeship ladder,” allowing learners to progress naturally from administration assistant to higher-level roles.

Prostart’s Readiness

At Prostart, we are actively preparing for these changes, ensuring our programmes and support systems are fully aligned with the updated standards and funding rules. Our goal remains to provide the highest quality apprenticeships that meet the needs of both learners and employers in the East Midlands, equipping individuals with the skills and confidence to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market. We will continue to provide updates as further detailed guidance is released by the DfE and Ofqual.