The Department for Education (DfE) introduced the change in requirements with immediate effect. Ministers said the change could mean 10,000 more apprentices are able to complete courses every year, as employers will have more flexibility over maths and English requirements.
Under current rules, apprentices must achieve English and maths qualifications of at least level 1 if they are on a level 2 apprenticeship. For those who have already secured level 1 qualifications, the apprentices must be assessed at level 2 English and maths, and the requirement must be fulfilled before they take the end-point assessment.
If a learner is on a level 3 or higher apprenticeship, they must achieve a level 2 in both subjects before they can complete the apprenticeship.
The Government said “leading employers” have been calling for the rules to be changed, with failure to secure a qualification in Maths or English one of the key reasons apprentices don’t complete courses.
As a result, businesses will now be able to decide whether adult learners over the age of 19 will need to complete a level 2 English and maths qualification (equivalent to a GCSE) in order to pass it.
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Apprentices aged 16-18 will still have to complete an English and Maths functional skills qualification – equivalent to a GCSE – as a course requirement.
The Government said more flexibility for employers means more learners can qualify in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social care and construction, helping to drive growth and meet Government targets in key areas such as housebuilding.
Ministers were keen to stress that the changes don’t mean that apprentices won’t be assessed on core English and maths skills relevant to their occupation – but the rule change does mean that apprentices “will be able to focus more on their paid work”.
From August 2025, the minimum duration of an apprenticeship will also be reduced to eight months, down from the current minimum of 12 months.
Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Growing the economy and opportunity for all are fundamental Missions of our Plan for Change, and we are determined to support apprentices throughout this National Apprenticeship Week and beyond.
“Businesses have been calling out for change to the apprenticeship system and these reforms show that we are listening. Our new offer of shorter apprenticeships and less red tape strikes the right balance between speed and quality, helping achieve our number one mission to grow the economy.
“Skills England will be a major driver in addressing the skills gaps needed to support employers up and down the country and I look forward to working with the new leadership.”
Craig Beaumont, executive director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “It’s encouraging to see Government shorten the length of apprenticeships, and give employers the right to decide whether level 2 English and maths is needed. These flexibilities should help SME employers fill skills gaps faster.”
