The apprenticeship levy explained

21st March 2025 2 minute read

Blogs

Share this post:

 
The apprenticeship levy explained

Apprenticeships are an effective way for schools to develop in-house expertise, retain talent and improve outcomes for pupils. Better yet, with funding available through the apprenticeship levy, employers can upskill staff at little to no cost.

 

What is the apprenticeship levy?

The apprenticeship levy is a UK government initiative introduced in April 2017 to encourage businesses to invest in apprenticeship programmes. The levy is essentially a tax on large employers, designed to fund apprenticeship training and increase the number of apprenticeships available across the UK.

 

Who pays the apprenticeship levy?

Employers with an annual pay bill of £3 million or more are required to pay the levy. The levy is set at 0.5% of the employer’s total annual pay bill. All eligible employers pay the 0.5% apprenticeship levy amount every month as part of their PAYE bill.

 

What can the apprenticeship levy be used for?

Employers who pay the apprenticeship levy can use their contributions to fund apprenticeship training for their employees. The funds are held in a Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account and must be used within 24 months, or they expire.

 

How does the apprenticeship levy work?

To learn more about how the apprenticeship levy works and how schools can use the levy to fund apprenticeships, download your free guide.

For smaller, non-levy-paying employers, there’s also guidance on securing government funding or levy transfers from larger organisations to upskill your team.

 

Thrive apprenticeships

Whether you’re looking to upskill your team, support children directly in the classroom or drive a whole school approach to wellbeing, these levy-funded apprenticeships are a game-changer for educators looking to make a lasting impact. Explore Thrive apprenticeships.

 

Pass it on

Small actions can lead to a big ripple effect. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, please consider supporting us in our mission to help every child and young person feel safe, supported and ready to learn by sharing it using the social media buttons below.

Want to join a like-minded community of senior leaders and classroom staff benefitting from insights and strategies to improve attendance, behaviour and attainment? Add your email address below. (It’s easy to unsubscribe).

 

Sector updates delivered straight to your inbox

Subscribe to the Thrive newsletter and receive our latest sector advice direct to your inbox

Subscribe today

 

Related content

What are Inclusion Bases in schools? DfE guidance explained

16th July 2026 | Blogs

What are Inclusion Bases in schools? DfE guidance explained

Understand what Inclusion Bases are, who they support, how they link to DfE guidance and what schools should consider when developing or reviewing targeted provision.

Read full article →

Secondary school Inclusion Bases: what the government expectation means for leaders

16th July 2026 | Blogs

Secondary school Inclusion Bases: what the government expectation means for leaders

Explore what secondary school Inclusion Bases mean for leaders, including how to review targeted provision, connect support to classroom practice and evidence impact.

Read full article →

Kellie’s story: Building confidence and leadership through a Thrive apprenticeship

16th July 2026 | Blogs

Kellie’s story: Building confidence and leadership through a Thrive apprenticeship

Discover how Student Support Lead, Kellie Brick, completed her Thrive apprenticeship with distinction, growing in confidence and bringing new expertise to her school’s alternative provision.

Read full article →

CONTACT US