Written questions

Apprentices: English Language and Mathematics

Lords · Question HL16047 · Tabled 25 Mar 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 10 Apr 2026

Question

Asked by Baroness Whitaker

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to align apprenticeships for 16-18-year-olds with those for people aged 19 and above by removing the requirement to achieve English and maths qualifications.

Answer

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern, 10 Apr 2026

The government is committed to high standards of English and maths and funds apprentices aged 16-18 at the start of their training to achieve English and maths qualifications, if they do not already hold suitable equivalent qualifications, in order to com...