Published date: 23 October 2025

Open early engagement - This means that a procurement idea is currently active, it is in the early stage of development and judging interest from potential suppliers.


Closing date: 21 November 2025

Contract summary

Industry

  • Research and development services and related consultancy services - 73000000

Location of contract

England

Procurement reference

project_9401

Published date

23 October 2025

Closing date

21 November 2025

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

Lifelong learning entitlement (LLE) Market Engagement

The LLE will launch in AY26/27 where it will replace higher education (HE) student finance loans and advanced learner loans (ALLs) for levels 4 - 6, creating a single funding system.
From September 2026, learners will be able to apply for LLE funding for the first time for courses and modules starting from January 2027 onwards.

From its launch, the LLE loan will be available for:
• full courses at level 4 to 6, such as degrees, technical qualifications, and designated distance-learning and online courses
• modules of high-value technical courses (HTQs) at level 4 to 5
• modules from full level 6 qualifications - for example, degrees - that align to:
• priority skills needs
• the government"s industrial strategy
Under the LLE, eligible learners will be able to access:
• a tuition fee loan, with new learners able to access up to the full entitlement of