Advanced Learner Loan Bulletin – July 2020

Online application service for AY 2020/21

The Advanced Learner Loan 2020/21 online application service for courses starting from 1 August 2020 opened on 15 June.

Eligible learners can apply online on GOV.UK. Learners will need their Learning and Funding Information Letter (LAFIL) to make an application. ESFA has updated the suggested LAFIL template for this year. You can view and download the template on GOV.UK.

Policy changes for AY 2020/21

The government has announced a new form of leave for children transferred to the UK to reunite with their families during the Calais camp clearance in 2016. A change is being made to residency rules governing student finance. This will allow those granted Calais leave and their dependent children access to home fee status and student support.

From AY 2020/21 regulations will also allow individuals granted Indefinite Leave to Remain as a victim of domestic violence (DVILR) access to student support. Those granted DVILR status can access student support and home fee status immediately after their status has been granted.

Please see our residency and evidence factsheet for more information.

The government has also recently published a statement about AY 2021/22 eligibility for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals.

Current students and EU, EEA and Swiss nationals applying in AY 2020/21 can be reassured that there will be no changes to their funding.

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who are considering applying in AY 2021/22 can find more information in the announcement on GOV.UK.

Increases to your loan facility for AY 2020/21

The Advanced Learner Loans Funding and Performance Management Rules for AY 2020/21 are now available on the GOV.UK website.

This academic year, there will be two performance reviews that will take place in October and January. If you have an exceptional case and want to be assessed for growth, you will need to raise this with your ESFA Territory team.

Service Review Forums

The FE Loans Partner Services Management team is planning for a November schedule for our Service Review Forums. The sessions will be set up as virtual meetings but will enable the usual interaction.

We will be in touch shortly with a 'save the date' so please look out for the update.

Are your contract manager details up to date?

The UK Register of Learning Providers (UKRLP) is the portal for government departments, agencies, learners and employers to share information about learning providers.

Please check that your contract manager details on the Learning Provider Portal are correct. You can find this information on the Learning Provider Details page. This will show you the information we've received from ESFA for your organisation, including details of your contract manager.

Please also take a look at our quick guide for updating contract manager details. This outlines how to view learning provider details and explains the process and timeline for updating your contract manager information.