Update on pooled PAYE issue for apprenticeships in foundation and voluntary aided schools

Previously F and VA Schools have been unable to access apprenticeship funding due to changes made by the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to the Digital Apprenticeship Service Account which impacted organisations within a pooled PAYE scheme.  

The apprenticeship funding rules have changed enabling councils to use some of their own levy funds to fund apprenticeships in other organisations that are part of their pooled PAYE schemes. F and VA Schools affected by the pooled PAYE issue will now be able to access apprenticeship funding through the DCC apprenticeship levy.  

If you would like to utilise apprenticeships within your F and VA school, you must contact the DCC Apprenticeship Team (apprenticeships@devon.gov.uk or call 01392 383000 and ask for “apprenticeships”) in the first instance to request access to funding. This must be done prior to contacting training providers.  The apprenticeship team will confirm if funding is available and provide further guidance on the process.