VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Lifelong Education: Disadvantaged

Asked by Mr Gregory CampbellDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 22 June 2026UIN 10565

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to assist in expanding Life Long Learning, particularly among those post school leavers who are from more disadvantaged backgrounds.

Answered by Josh MacAlister

The department is committed to support the aspiration of every person who meets the requirements to attend university, regardless of their background or where they live.

We are introducing targeted, means-tested maintenance grants of up to £1,000 per year from the 2028/29 academic year, providing vital extra support for students from low-income households and are future proofing maintenance loans by committing to increase them in line with forecast inflation every year.

We are transforming the student finance system by introducing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement for courses that start from January 2027. The LLE will broaden access to high-quality, flexible education and training by providing funding for individual modules as well as full courses at levels 4 to 6. All LLE-funded courses and modules with in-person attendance will be eligible for maintenance loan support.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim