Event report - Linking London Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) Event

Colleagues first heard Ben Rutter, Funding Information Partners Account Manager, Student Loans Company who provided an in‑depth overview of the LLE, covering eligibility, credit‑based entitlement, funding rules, modular study design, maintenance support, and the upcoming transition to a unified student finance system for England.  He emphasised the complexity of the new system, ongoing policy developments, and the importance of clear information, advice, and guidance for students and providers.

Delegates then heard from Rebecca Mameli, Senior Strategic Lead, Pearson who outlined how Pearson’s Higher Nationals and HN Flex framework can be used to build LLE‑eligible modular provision, focusing on credit‑bundling, HTQ‑approved qualifications and examples across sectors such as business, computing, construction, and sustainable management. She also highlighted quality assurance changes and how unit certification will support learner progression.

After a comfort break, attendees heard from two partners to get a HE and FE perspective on preparations for the launch of the LLE. Hearing first from Claire Evenden, Head of Central Income and AR, University of Greenwich who spoke on the major cultural and operational shift requiring institution-wide changes to systems, processes, and delivery models, while also presenting significant opportunities for flexibility and growth. She noted ongoing challenges around uncertainty, student navigation, and implementation, alongside Greenwich’s active preparation through internal coordination and planning. Following this we heard from Marie Cunningham, Head of Student Administration and Fees, Capital City College who presented the FE sector experience of preparing for LLE and outlined how Capital City College is aligning its higher education strategy with LLE by developing a more employer-led, skills-focused offer in key growth sectors, while highlighting risks around the shift from grant-funded to loan-funded provision and potential impacts on student demand. She stressed the tight timelines, pressures on learner recruitment, and the need for clear guidance to avoid financial risk for providers and learners.

The event concluded thanking all participants for their valuable contributions throughout the afternoon.