Post-16 payment and allocation schedule for 2026-27 published

DfE published the payment and allocation schedule for post-16 settings for academic year 2026-27 on 16 September 2026. It sets out when providers can expect allocations to be issued and when payments will land.

The document covers all major post-16 funding streams. Below are the key points for the most common ones.

16 to 19 core funding

Allocation letters were issued in March–April 2026. Payments are made in equal monthly instalments:

• Non-academy providers: 18th calendar day of each month
• Academy providers: first working day of each month

Adult Skills Fund

Payment timing depends on how funding is provided:

• Grant-funded providers: equal monthly instalments on the 18th calendar day
• Procured providers: paid in arrears on the 14th working day of the month based on actual delivery

Apprenticeships (non-levy)

Paid monthly in arrears on the 14th working day, based on ILR data. There is no fixed allocation; payments reflect actual learner starts and activity reported through the Individualised Learner Record.

T Levels

Allocation letters issued March–April 2026. Payments on the 18th calendar day monthly (first working day for academies).

16 to 19 Bursary Fund (discretionary)

Payments are split:

• Approximately two-thirds in August 2026 (September for academies)
• Approximately one-third in April 2027

Free meals in further education

New providers for 2026-27: refer to the document for specific dates. Continuing providers: approximately two-thirds in August (September for academies) and one-third in April.

Care to Learn

Claims-based rather than allocation-based. Claims windows are in September 2026, January 2027, and May 2027, with payments following approval.

For the full schedule including 14-to-16 in FE, Advanced Learner Loans, and other funding streams, see the published document.