May 2024
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This conference focused on next steps for the implementation of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).
Following the Lifelong Learning (Higher Education Fee Limits) Act being granted royal assent in September 2023, it was an opportunity to bring policymakers, regulators and stakeholders together to assess the timeline for implementation following the recent DfE announcement that the teaching of courses funded by the LLE will now be delayed until January 2026, and what each stage means for the higher education sector.
Discussion considered:
- developing effective student engagement, the role of the LLE in widening participation in HE and increasing social mobility, and enabling workers to upskill through LLE whilst in employment
- the impact of the LLE allowing those in employment to study modular HE courses
- the eligibility of courses under LLE, as well as the £5m scheme launched by the Government to encourage HEIs to deliver Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQ) in a more flexible manner
- key challenges for the sector in supporting modular learning under LLE, implications for quality of provision, and potential changes to course structure and delivery of qualifications
- collaboration between the Department for Education and the wider sector to ensure effective implementation of LLE and alignment of priorities
Delegates also examined the relationship between LLE and the current funding models for HEI finances and what this will look like in the future, including the suitability of the allotted £37k per student for studies, and the sustainability of this figure moving forward.
There was also discussion on proposed reform to the current fee structure to be proportional to the amount of credits offered over the course of study, and the impact of limiting costs.
Further sessions assessed the student experience studying under LLE, looking at next steps for appealing effectively to mature students, and for utilising the LLE to create pathways for students to continue their studies post-16 and to widen participation in higher education.
We are pleased to have been be able to include keynote sessions with: Karl Anderson, Head of Qualifications Policy, Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education; Kim Eccleston, Head of Strategy & Reform and Delivery Lead for LLE, UCAS; Andy Forbes, Head of Development, ResPublica; and Helena Vine, Lead Policy Officer, England, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DfE; IfATE; DFHERIS, ROI; DBT; Defra; Department for the Economy, NI; HMPPS; and the Welsh Government.
