Modular provision and the lifelong learning entitlement

We've been preparing for how we will regulate providers who are offering LLE-funded higher education, to protect public funding and ensure high-quality provision.

How we regulate providers is not substantially changing in response to the introduction of the LLE.

Our regulatory framework and all of our conditions of registration apply equally to modular provision as to traditional learning pathways, and they will continue to apply when the LLE is introduced. We expect any institution offering LLE-fundable modules to do this in a way that meets our conditions, prioritises students interests and protects public funding.

However, we are taking steps to ensure that we are suitably monitoring modular provision, and we are also taking this opportunity to review how we regulate further education colleges to ensure that their regulation is efficient and proportionate to risk.

Registering with the OfS

Any institution looking to access LLE funding will need to be registered with the OfS.

There are two registration categories, and providers in either category can offer LLE-funded modules. It is for individual providers to determine which category is suitable for them.

We have no plans to introduce any new categories of registration at this time.

To support providers in preparing for registration, the government will extend the current system of Advanced Learner Loan funding for Levels 4 to 6 until the end of summer 2030.

Conditions of registration for further education colleges

We’re proposing to disapply some of the OfS conditions of registration that apply to providers of higher education that are also providers in the statutory further education sector. Our aim is to remove duplication of regulation for further education colleges in areas where the Department of Education is already managing risks.

This change would apply to colleges that are already on the OfS Register as well as to those applying to enter the regulated higher education sector in England.

The majority of the proposals apply only to further education colleges that do not hold degree awarding powers (DAPs) or are not applying for DAPs. Providers with DAPs are responsible for awarding qualifications that are of significant value to students, employers and the wider higher education sector. We think it is important to retain a fuller set of conditions of registration for these providers.

The consultation closes on 10 February 2026, we aim to publish a response in early summer 2026.

Find out more about the proposals and respond to the consultation

How will we monitor modular provision

We must continue to protect the interests of students and safeguard public funding when the LLE has launched. We will therefore:

• Work with the designated data body, the DfE, and the Student Loans Company (SLC) to identify data that will tell us about LLE-funded students studying at OfS registered institutions.
• Actively monitor a range of indicators, such as SLC data and student numbers.
• Investigate or engage with providers if we have any concerns.

Where risks increase, we may enhance our monitoring measures in line with our current approach – for example, if modular provision scales more quickly than expected, or if student numbers rise sharply in a short period of time.

Quality and standards

Providers delivering LLE-funded modules should incorporate this provision in the qualitative element of the TEF, which will act as our mechanism for regular quality assessment. B conditions will apply when providers deliver LLE funded modules, however, we will not be introducing B3 type measures for modules from the launch of LLE in January 2027.