In a significant policy shift, the Department for Education (DfE) has revised the English and maths requirements for apprenticeships, including those in the Early Years sector.

Previously, all apprentices were required to achieve Level 2 qualifications (equivalent to GCSEs) in English and maths to complete their apprenticeship. However, as of February 2025, this requirement has been removed for apprentices aged 19 and over at the start of their training.

The government introduced this change to reduce barriers to apprenticeship completion and encourage more people to enter key industries, such as Early Years education. According to the DfE, this adjustment could enable up to 10,000 additional apprentices to qualify annually.

Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education Robert Halfon stated:

“This reform ensures that apprentices who excel in their vocational training are not held back due to difficulties in achieving Level 2 maths and English. It is a step towards a more inclusive and skills-focused apprenticeship system.”

The removal of the Level 2 requirement provides several key advantages and can be seen as a benefit for learners.

• Greater Accessibility – Many learners struggle with maths and English, which has historically led to high dropout rates. By removing this barrier, more individuals can now achieve their qualifications.

• Increased Focus on Practical Skills – Apprentices can concentrate more on the practical aspects of their training without being delayed by external academic requirements.

• Faster Completion and Progression – Without the need to pass Level 2 maths and English, apprentices can complete their training more quickly and move into employment sooner.

As a leading training provider, Realise remains committed to supporting apprentices in their learning journeys. While Level 2 English and maths are no longer mandatory for completion, we continue to offer guidance and resources to help learners develop essential numeracy and literacy skills that are crucial in the workplace.

Here’s how we are ensuring continued support:

• Tailored Learning Support – For apprentices who still wish to improve their maths and English skills, we offer additional coaching, workshops, and online resources.

• Flexible Learning Pathways – We work closely with employers to integrate core numeracy and literacy skills into workplace learning, making it relevant to real-world Early Years settings.

• Funding and Access to Qualifications – While not required, Level 2 English and maths qualifications remain fully funded for those who want to achieve them, and we provide full support to learners who choose this route.

This means that employers in the Early Years sector will benefit from a larger pool of qualified apprentices who are ready to work without unnecessary delays. The increased flexibility ensures that training is focused on practical skills rather than external academic requirements.

This reform marks a significant shift in apprenticeship policy, prioritising vocational skills over rigid academic requirements. At Realise, we remain dedicated to supporting both learners and employers through this transition, ensuring that every apprentice has the opportunity to succeed in their chosen career.