Lead providers:

• need written permission from us to subcontract their whole programme of 16 to 19 provision
• should only subcontract their whole programme of 16 to 19 provision in exceptional circumstances

It is not possible to subcontract the whole programme provision for:

• adult skills fund
• apprenticeships

What your request should include

Your request should include:

• the educational rationale for the arrangements, supported by those charged with governance
• how you will manage and oversee the subcontracted provision
• details of similar provision available via other lead providers in the area and why this is not meeting the learners’ needs
• details of your involvement in delivery (for example, providing financial and quality assurance)
• the amount of funding you will keep to cover the costs for managing the contract
• information on gaps in provision this subcontract will fill and if your local authority or an employer supports this
• details of how much contact the learner will have with you during their course

The subcontracting funding rules explain more about whole programme subcontracting. This includes the restrictions for schools and academies.

Submit a request to subcontract your 16 to 19 provision

Submit requests for new arrangements at least 12 weeks before you plan to start subcontracting the provision.

To get approval to continue with existing subcontracting arrangements, submit a request by 30 April.

Complete a new subcontracting exemptions form (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 56.2 KB) for each 16 to 19 programme. You must get new approval each year.