Apprenticeship Accountability Framework Changes That Providers Need to Know

The Department for Education has confirmed updates to the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework (AAF), effective from January 2026. These changes follow a review of how effectively existing indicators identify provider risk and reflect wider reforms across Ofsted inspection reporting.

While some indicators have been removed or suspended, this does not signal a reduction in accountability. Instead, the updated framework places greater emphasis on data quality, timely achievement and clearer alignment between delivery performance and inspection outcomes.

Alignment with revised Ofsted reporting

The Ofsted thresholds within the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework have been updated to reflect the new inspection outcome categories and judgement structures introduced in November 2025.

This change strengthens alignment between accountability measures and inspection outcomes, reinforcing how AAF indicators contribute to the wider quality and performance narrative for providers. As a result, consistency across delivery practice, data reporting and inspection expectations is becoming increasingly important.

Suspension of selected indicators

From January 2026, three indicators have been suspended from AAF performance assessment:

• Breaks in learning

• End-point assessment organisation (EPAO) data

• Off-the-job training (OTJ) indicator

  
  

These indicators were removed following a review which concluded that, in their current form, they no longer provide strong predictive value for identifying early signs of provider risk.

Although these indicators will no longer trigger AAF concern thresholds, the Department for Education has confirmed that the underlying data will continue to be monitored outside the framework.

Refinement of the “past planned end date” indicator

The apprentice past planned end date measure has been redesigned to focus more precisely on the key risk area it is intended to capture.

This refinement places greater emphasis on delivery delays, late completion and timely achievement, particularly towards the final stages of apprenticeship programmes. The methodology and thresholds are expected to be tightened or refocused to better identify genuine structural or quality-related issues.

Simplification of indicator categorisation

Previously, AAF indicators were categorised as either primary quality indicators or supplementary indicators.

From January 2026, this distinction has been removed. All indicators now sit within a single tier of relevance and importance, simplifying the framework while reinforcing that each remaining indicator contributes equally to the overall accountability picture.

There are no longer lower-priority indicators within the framework.

Other changes within the updated framework

In addition to the headline changes outlined above, the January 2026 update to the Apprenticeship Accountability Framework also includes the following adjustments:

• Indicators assessed as no longer identifying early provider risk have been removed from AAF performance assessment

• Suspended indicators will continue to be monitored outside the framework, even where they no longer trigger accountability thresholds

• Any future indicators introduced will be based on improved data quality, stronger calculation methods and clearer links to genuine provider quality

• Increased reliance on robust ILR-driven measures is expected over time

• Stronger correlation between accountability indicators and Ofsted quality judgements is anticipated as the framework develops

Together, these changes reflect a move towards a more focused, data-led approach to accountability.

What this means in practice

Although the updated framework appears simpler, accountability expectations remain strong. In practical terms, training providers should be aware that:

• The removal or suspension of indicators does not remove the need for internal oversight

• Timely completion and learner progression are becoming more prominent within accountability assessments

• Data integrity and reporting accuracy remain central to funding assurance and audit activity

• Alignment between delivery practice, data and inspection expectations is increasingly critical

The level of risk associated with these areas may vary depending on a provider’s delivery model, learner cohort and sector profile.

How Skills Office Network can support

Skills Office Network supports training providers to interpret accountability and quality framework changes with clarity and confidence.

We provide accountability insight, data and ILR health checks, and practical support aligned to inspection and assurance expectations, helping providers gain a clearer understanding of their current position and emerging risk.

If you would like to discuss how these Apprenticeship Accountability Framework updates apply to your organisation, our team is happy to help.