Advanced Learner Loan bulletin - May 2023

Preparing for launch

The 2023/24 application service will open on Tuesday 30 May for new learners starting their course on or after 1 August 2023.

When you issue Learning and Funding Information Letters (LAFILs) to learners, please check that the learning aim is approved for funding in academic year 2023/24. Please let learners know that they can only submit applications once the service launches. We'll mark any applications submitted before this as ineligible.

ESFA has updated the LAFIL template for this year. You can view and download the LAFIL template from GOV.UK.

You can find further information and guidance on our practitioner website. This includes useful tools and materials to help you and your colleagues. Learners can find further information about Advanced Learner Loans on GOV.UK.

Loan Facility Contract 2023/24

Your learners will only be able to apply once the service launches if you've digitally signed and returned your academic year 2023/24 loans contract to ESFA. Please check that your Contract Manager has done this. The contract is available on the Education and Skills Funding (ESF) portal. Your loan facility award should be visible on the LP Portal (Financial Home --- Loan facility Details Report) ahead of launch.

Please raise any queries about your funding allocation with your ESFA territory manager before signing the contract.

ESFA Advanced Learner Loans Funding Rules for AY 2023/24

ESFA has published the updated Advanced Learner Loans Funding Rules for 2023 to 2024. ESFA will publish draft 2 of the performance management points later in the month outlining the review points, tolerances and minimum thresholds required in order to be in scope for a growth award.

If you have any questions about this document, please contact your ESFA territory manager.

Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) – consultation outcome

The government intends to introduce LLE from the start of Academic Year 2025/26 to provide a streamlined funding system for provision across levels 4 to 6. LLE will provide eligible learners with an entitlement equivalent to four years of post-18 education funding, which they will be able to use for eligible full and modular courses across FE and HE providers. In addition, loans for living costs and targeted grants will be available in respect of all designated courses under the LLE.

Following the introduction of LLE in 2025/26, it is our understanding that Advanced Learner Loans will continue to be available in support of learners wishing to study on an approved level 3 learning aim. It has been confirmed that only level 4 to 6 will move to LLE.

Further information is available in the recently published Government consultation response.

Outstanding portal administration

Please check the Payment Instalment Report (PIR) on the Financials Home tab for each academic year going back to 2017/18 and complete any overdue administration tasks in preparation for the new academic year.

Please also check your CoC worklist to ensure you've submitted all outstanding suspensions and withdrawals.