From January 2026, only certain groups of learners (16–21-year-olds, or those under 25 with care leaver status or an EHCP) will receive government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships in England.
We’re here to help you understand the changes and explore alternative pathways to continue developing your workforce. Our new Exam Plus pathway gives employers a clear, practical way to continue developing talent at the highest level.
We are here to support you with our tailored solutions following the announced changes to Level 7 funding. We believe apprenticeships provide a great opportunity for learners to develop technical skills alongside wider skills and behaviours with wrap-around support. We’ve developed solutions to ensure that learners no longer eligible for a Level 7 apprenticeship can still benefit from these key development areas.
Utilises funding and develops skills and behaviours with wrap around support.
Mirrors apprenticeship programme offering consistency of experience within trainee intakes
Focus on training courses for professional qualifications only
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Apprenticeship |
Exam Plus Pathway |
Exam Pathway |
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| Comprehensive technical training |  |
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| Programme planning | |
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| Enhanced progress reporting | |
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| Impact Skills Programme | |
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| Skills coach support | |
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| Exempt from funding rule requirements | |
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| Exempt from End Point Assessment (EPA) | |
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| Clawback policies possible | |
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*Learners on the Exam Pathway can bolt-on our Impact Skills Programme (ISP).
Your learners may be eligible for Level 4 apprenticeship funding to kick-start their journey to becoming an accountant. Contact us for details.
NEW: EXAM PLUS PATHWAY
First Intuition’s new Exam Plus pathway provides a cost-effective way to ensure learners benefit from the additional aspects of our apprenticeship programme, integrating dedicated skills coach support and our Impact Skills programme. This comprehensive programme develops well-rounded, high-performance finance professionals who will contribute strategically to your business. |
BOLT ON ISP TO EXAM PATHWAY
The Impact Skills Programme (ISP) develops the human skills employers value most; communication, collaboration, problem solving, adaptability, and leadership. Delivered alongside professional qualifications, ISP helps learners not simply pass exams, but become confident, resilient, and workplace-ready professionals.
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The Apprenticeship route is ideal for employers that would like to utilise funding, maximising return on training investment. Apprentices are provided with the support of a dedicated skills coach and benefit from the development of the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for them to succeed.
We work with employers to build the right combination of solutions for your business, blending apprenticeship and commercial training options to maximise your return on investment alongside offering a robust and supported experience for your trainees.
We aim to tailor every client programme to your needs, not just to fit to ours
Your service team is designed to meet your needs, whether that be offering local, regional or national relationships
You will be dealing with industry experts who can offer insight and creativity from a wide range of experience
We listen first, then offer you options for you to decide
We take the time to build long lasting relationships and trust, it is the only way we can evolve and improve your programme
We are proactive in identifying potential problems, rectifying them and recommending enhancements to your programme
From 1st January 2026, the government no longer funds new Level 7 apprenticeships for individuals aged 22 and over. Those with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is restricted from age 25. Apprentices who began their programme before this date will not be affected and will continue to receive full funding through to completion.
You can find detailed information on the funding changes in our Level 7 apprenticeship funding and programme changes blog
Or, watch the recording of our webinar to learn more about the government announcement and what it means for existing apprentices and future enrolments.
We understand the challenges the funding change presents for employers. We’re committed to offering cost-effective, high-quality training. Alternative solutions we are offering to employers include our Level 4 apprenticeship programme, which is not subject to age based restrictions, and our new Exam Plus pathway.
The Level 4 apprenticeship continues to be funded with no age restrictions and covers approximately one third of the Level 7 programme. We can work with you to determine if this is the right option for your learners. In many cases, we can design a programme that allows learners to complete the first phase of their studies through a Level 4 apprenticeship.
We understand the challenges the funding change presents for employers. We’re committed to offering cost-effective, high-quality training. Alternative solutions we are offering to employers include our Level 4 apprenticeship programme, which is not subject to age based restrictions, and our new Exam Plus pathway.
The Exam Plus pathway is designed to mirror the apprenticeship experience. Learners receive dedicated support from a skills coach, regular progress reviews, and ongoing guidance. The programme also includes our Impact Skills Programme to develop professional skills and behaviours, as well as enhanced onboarding and personalised programme planning. By utilising an Exam Plus pathway alongside apprenticeship programmes, employers can offer a consistent experience across an intake and ensure all learners benefit from enhanced support
Yes. Learners can progress from a Level 4 apprenticeship to the Exam Plus or Exam Only pathway to continue their studies.
You can download our brochure, explore our website, or contact us directly to learn more about our available pathways.
Please visit our eligibility page for more details.
The total time depends on a few factors, including any prior learning or exemptions, as well as the learner’s style. As a general guide, both the Level 7 apprenticeship and the Level 4 apprenticeship-to-Exam Plus pathway can be completed in approximately 36 months. We recommend discussing the best programme for your team with us directly.
We know your line managers’ time is valuable, so our programmes are designed to minimise the demands on them. Our skills coaches provide extensive support to apprentices, and our online learning environment encourages independent study. However, some line manager involvement is beneficial, such as regular check-ins to monitor progress and discuss how learning can be applied at work. We will provide guidance on how to best support your employees.
The time commitment varies based on the chosen pathway and the professional qualification. We offer flexible options, including online and classroom courses, to minimise disruption to work schedules. We will work with you to create a training plan that balances learning with your business needs.
We price these programmes based on the requirements for each individual learner, taking factors into account such as relevant prior learning and programme duration. Our expert teams at your local FI centre will be able to assist with providing indicative pricing by route and detailed pricing planning for each intake, based on your needs and preferences.
Contact our team to discuss your organisation’s specific requirements and find the best options for your finance professionals. We are here to help you navigate these changes effectively. Contact your local centre
