Learning aim class codes: 2023 to 2024
Updated 19 September 2023
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2023
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/learning-aim-class-codes/learning-aim-class-codes-2023-to-2024
1. Introduction and purpose of the document
This document contains details of the generic learning aim codes (class codes) that are available to use in the individualised learner record (ILR) in 2023 to 2024 to record non-regulated provision.
You should only use non-regulated provision in areas already identified and agreed by us as detailed in the relevant published funding documentation.
2. Understanding our terminology
The term ‘we’ refers to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). When we refer to ‘you’ or ‘providers’, this includes colleges, higher education institutions, training organisations, local authorities and employers that receive funding from us to deliver education and training.
3. Changes from 2020 to 2021 version of this document
We have made the following amendments:
1. Details relating to the European Social Fund (ESF) have been archived from the main body of this document following the end of the programme on 31 March 2023. This includes:
- reference to ESF Funded Work Experience
- category L: ESF Funded
2. All community learning specific learning aim class codes are now consolidated into category F: Non Regulated Provision (Community Learning).
4. Overview of generic learning aim codes
In this document, we describe the categories of generic learning aim codes for using in the ILR Learning aim reference field (LearnAimRef).
We do not list all of the generic learning aim codes in this document, these are available on find a learning aim and contained within the downloadable Learning Aim Reference Service (LARS) database. The LARS database holds details of all learning aims and their funding eligibility, which we determine by our funding policies.
The generic learning aim codes are sequential numeric codes prefixed by the letter ‘Z’.
The table below provides the categories of generic learning aim codes you can use, and identifies the type of provision you should use them for. The provision can be on the following funding models (FundModel):
- 16 to 19 (excluding apprenticeships) (FundModel = 25)
- other 16 to 19 (FundModel = 82)
- adult skills (FundModel = 35)
- community learning (FundModel = 10) or (FundModel = 99 and source of funding (SOF) = 108)
- other adult (FundModel = 81)
- apprenticeships from 1 May 2017 (FundModel = 36)
- non-funded learning aims (FundModel = 99)
| Category | LARS category reference | Category description | Funding model: 25 or 82; Validity category: 16 to 19 EFA ; 16 to 19 (excluding apprenticeships and other 16 to 19) | Funding model: 35; Validity category: ADULT_SKILLS OLASS_ADULT; Adult skills and OLASS[footnote 1] | Funding model: 10 or 99; Validity category: COMM_LEARN; Community learning | Funding model: 36, 81 or 99; Validity category: ANY; Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 23 | Non Regulated Provision (Adult Skills formula funded) | N/A | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| B | 24 | Non regulated English, Maths and ESOL Provision (Adult skills formula funded) | N/A | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| E | 27 | Non Regulated Provision (not Community Learning or Adult skills formula funded) | Yes | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| F | 28 | Non Regulated Provision (Community Learning) | N/A | N/A | Yes | Yes[footnote 2] (except Fund_Model = 36) |
| G | 29 | Non regulated English, Maths and ESOL Provision (not Adult skills formula funded) | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes (except FundModel = 36) |
| I | 31 | Work experience/placement | Yes | Traineeships only | N/A | N/A |
| J | 32 | Supported Internship | Yes | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| K | 33 | Programme aim | Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes |
| M | 35 | Conversion Codes between Higher National Qualifications | N/A | N/A | N/A | Yes (except FundModel = 36) |
| O | 36 | Education Assessments | N/A | OLASS only | N/A | N/A |
5. Adult education budget (AEB) funded provision
As part of local flexibility, you can use non-regulated learning aims in 2023 to 2024 as set out in the ‘Adult education budget funding rules 2023 to 2024’ and the ‘Qualifications eligible for public funding’ guidance.
There are 4 elements associated with each of the generic learning aim codes for adult skills funded provision:
- notional level of learning - the level of learning, for example: entry level, level 1 and level 2.
- sector - the sector subject area (SSA) of the provision using the tier 2 classification. See Appendix B for a list of the tier 2 sector subject areas
- funding band - non-regulated learning aims funded through our adult skills funding methodology are funded using rates from the single activity matrix in the ‘Funding Rates and Formula 2023 to 2024’ document
- programme weighting - the programme weighting is determined by the SSA tier 2 category of the provision
You should choose the appropriate code from the LARS database depending upon the level of learning, the SSA, funding band for hours and programme weighting of the learning aim you are delivering.
For example, If you deliver 150 hours of learning at entry level for preparation for work, then you use the following code:
Z0001543 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, Entry Level, Preparation for Work, 101 to 196 hrs, PW A – Base
6. Category Codes search facility
Find a Learning Aim has a category search filter, which you can use to search for codes in each of the categories listed in this document. Further information on category codes is contained in ‘Learning aim reference service (LARS): category codes’. The category filter is in the ‘Additional filters’ section on the Learning Aims search page.
7. Category A: Non Regulated Provision (Adult skills formula funded)
You must use the codes in this category for non-regulated provision funded through the Adult skills funding model (FundModel 35) unless it is English, maths or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL). For English, maths and ESOL, you must use the distinct codes from the category B section detailed below.
Each code includes the level of learning (entry level to level 2), SSA tier 2, the funding band for hours and the programme weighting of the learning aim.
For example:
Z0001543 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, Entry Level, Preparation for Work, 101 to 196 hrs, PW A.
Z0003079 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, Level 1, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, 45 to 68 hrs, PW C.
8. Category B: Non Regulated English, Maths and ESOL Provision (Adult skills formula funded)
You must use the codes in this category for non-regulated English, maths and ESOL provision funded through the adult skills funding model (FundModel 35) .
There are separate codes for English, maths and ESOL provision. Each code includes the level of learning (pre-entry level to level 2) and funding band for hours of the learning aim.
For example:
Z0004301 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, Pre-Entry Level, ESOL, 197 to 292 hrs.
Z0004407 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, Entry Level, Maths, 93 to 100 hrs.
9. Education and Skills Funding Agency Funded (not Adult skills formula funded) and Non funded provision
You must use the following categories of codes to record non-regulated provision funded through the funding models below:
- 16 to 19 (excluding apprenticeships) funding model (FundModel 25)
- other 16 to 19 funding model (FundModel 82)
- other adult funding model (FundModel 81) - this includes non-regulated learning delivered as part of an apprenticeship standard.
- community learning funding model (FundModel 10)
- non-funded learning aims (FundModel 99)
There are 3 categories of generic learning aim codes. These codes follow a similar structure to those used for adult skills formula funded provision but do not contain details of a funding band for hours or a programme weighting.
10. Category E: Non Regulated Provision (16 to 19 (excluding Apprenticeships) funded, Other 16 to 19 funded, Other Adult funded, Apprenticeships, Non-funded)
You must use the codes in this category for non-regulated provision you fund through these funding models unless the provision is English, maths or ESOL:
- 16 to 19 funding models (FundModel 25 or 82)
- other Adult funding model (FundModel 81)
- apprenticeship funding model (FundModel 36)
- non-funded learning aims (FundModel 99)
To record English, maths and ESOL provision, you must use the distinct codes from the category G section.
For an example of how to record a non-regulated learning aim for apprenticeship standards under funding model 36, please see Appendix A.
This category of codes is not available for community learning funded provision, which should be recorded using codes from category F.
These codes include the level (entry level to level 7 and SSA tier 2 of the learning aim.
For example:
Z0001729 - Non regulated provision, Entry Level, Medicine and Dentistry.
11. Category F: Non Regulated Provision (Community Learning)
You must use the codes in this category for all non-regulated provision delivered under Community learning including English, maths or ESOL provision.
These codes do not have a notional level of learning, unless listed as English, maths, digital or ESOL provision and do not have an SSA.
For example:
Z0060001 - Non regulated Community Learning, Supported Learning and Independent Living.
12. Category G: Non regulated English, Maths and ESOL Provision (for these funding models: 16 to 19 (excluding Apprenticeships) funded, Other 16 to 19 funded, Other Adult funded, Non-funded)
You must use the codes in this category to record non-regulated English, maths and ESOL provision based on national standards for adult literacy and numeracy.
For the ’16 to 19 (excluding Apprenticeships)’ and ‘Other 16 to 19 funded’ funding model learners, you should only use these codes when this provision meets the needs of learners. We expect that all learners who are capable of taking approved qualifications to be on substantial programmes that include these.
There are separate codes for each of the English, maths and ESOL provision categories for each level of learning (pre-entry level to level 3 ).
For example:
Z0002130 - Non regulated provision, Entry Level, ESOL.
13. Other Class Codes
14. Category I: Work experience/placement Work experience within a 16 to 19 (excluding Apprenticeships) funded study programme or a traineeship
You must use this code to record the time spent on work experience or work placements that are part of a 16 to 19 (excluding apprenticeships) funded study programme or a traineeship, where the learner is placed with an employer to develop job-specific skills and gain an awareness of a particular sector.
You should record internal work placements that take place within a college environment using this code. Non-regulated work preparation activity should be recorded using codes from category A or E.
| Learning aim reference | Learning aim title | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| ZWRKX001 | Work experience/placement | 16 to 19 EFA, adult skills (traineeships only) |
| ZWRKX002 | Industry placement (315+ hours, aged 16 – 18, level 2 or 3 with a vocational or technical core aim, occupationally specific, must be studying towards a type of qualification that may align to T Levels in future | 16 to 19 EFA |
| ZWRKX003 | T level Industry Placement | 16 to 19 EFA, adult skills (T Level pilot only) |
You must also record further details of the work experience/placement using the work placement data entity in the ILR technical documents, guidance and requirements. This includes a record of the planned hours of the individual work placements that you attached to this aim. See the ILR technical documents, guidance and requirements, Appendix B migration specification and the Provider Support Manual for 2023 to 2024 for further details.
15. Category J: Supported Internship
You must use the code Z0002347 for 16 to 19 funded learners (excluding apprenticeships) to record a study programme delivered mainly on an employer’s premises.
It is only used for young people aged 16 to 24, who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities and are subject to an education health and care plan, for whom an apprenticeship is not a realistic option.
You must also record further details of the supported internship using the work placement data entity in the ILR. See the ILR technical documents, guidance and requirements for further details.
16. Category K: Programme Aims
You must use the code ZPROG001 in the ‘Learning aim reference’ field for apprenticeship, T Level and traineeship programme aims.
17. Non-regulated learning across multiple sector subject areas
If a learner is following a programme of learning that involves learning across several SSAs, then you should record one of the learning aims in the range Z0007848 to Z0007859. However, if the learner is undertaking learning in a single sector subject area you should use a learning aim reference from category A.
For example:
Z0007849 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, Mixed Sector Subject Areas, 13 to 20 hrs.
18. Non-regulated learning – preparation for work or foundations for learning and life
If a learner is undertaking learning in SSA 14.1 (Foundations for Learning and Life) or 14.2 (Preparation for work) and the learning has no defined indicative level, then you must record one of the learning aims in the range (Z0007872 to Z0007895). Where you know the level of learning, you should record an aim from category A instead.
For example:
Z0007876 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, No defined level, Preparation for Work, 69 to 92 hrs, PW A.
Z0007888 - Non regulated Adult skills formula funded provision, No defined level, Foundations for Learning and Life, 69 to 92 hrs, PW A.
The learning aim reference XESF0001 is not valid for use in the 2014 to 2020 ESF programme.
19. Category M: Conversion Codes between Higher National Qualifications
You must use the following codes to record the conversion from a Higher National Certificate to a Higher National Diploma.
These codes have the characteristics in the following table:
| Learning aim reference | 00283xxx |
|---|---|
| Title | Higher National Certificate to Higher National Diploma Conversion Code – zzzzzzzzzzzz where zzzzzzzzz is the subject matter. |
| Learning aim type | 1454 - Higher National Certificate to Higher National Diploma Conversion Code |
20. Category O: Education Assessments
- You must use these codes to record education assessments that you carry out. You must only use them for OLASS education assessments.
| Learning aim reference | learning aim title | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Z0007842 | Education assessment in Maths | OLASS |
| Z0007843 | Education assessment in English | OLASS |
21. Capacity and Delivery Fund Industry Placement Learning Aim
You must only use this learning aim where you are in receipt of ‘Industry placements capacity and delivery fund 2023 to 2024’ from 1 August 2019 to 31 July 2020, to record the total number of hours spent on work placement for capacity and delivery fund industry learning placement (CDFIP) qualifying students. We will use this data to monitor delivery of the number of work placements required by the CDFIP allocation.
The CDFIP funding is in addition to the mainstream allocation, to enable you to prepare for and deliver substantial work placements of 45 to 60 days, covering a minimum of 315 hours; you cannot enter a figure lower than 315 hours. You must also undertake the work placement on a site other than the learning environment to qualify.
Students must be: - aged between 16 and 18 - enrolled on a full time level 2 or level 3 study programme with a vocational or technical core aim - studying towards a type of qualification that may align to T Levels in future.
| Learning aim reference | Learning aim title | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| ZWRKX002 | Industry placement (315+ hours, aged 16 – 18, level 2 or 3 with a vocational or technical core aim, occupationally specific, must be studying towards a type of qualification that may align to T levels in future and includes an external work placement) | 16 to 19 |
22. Appendix A - apprenticeship standards using category E code
This is an example of how to record a non-regulated learning aim for apprenticeship standards recorded under funding model 36; we are using the Team Leader/Supervisor apprenticeship standard that is code 105.
For the learning aims, the Provider Support Manual for 2023 to 2024 states:
Recording apprenticeship standards
All apprenticeship standard aims must be recorded using Programme type code 25 (apprenticeship standard).
You must complete the Apprenticeship standard code field with the code for the standard from the LARS database.
Where the programme started on or after 1st August 2019, the apprenticeship standard programme aim must include only the training period, and not the end point assessment period.
Example
An apprentice is undertaking an apprenticeship in the Software Developer standard. As part of this, the apprentice is completing some IT learning that is not a regulated qualification.
This non-regulated learning is recorded as a component learning aim with the appropriate learning aim reference from the Learning Aims Class Codes document: Z0001946 – ‘Non regulated provision, Level 4, ICT Practitioners’.
- This apprenticeship is recorded on the ILR with the following two aims:
- Programme aim: LearnAimRef = ZPROG001, Aim type = 1
- Component learning aim: LearnAimRef = Z0001946, Aim type = 3
- The standard is recorded in the Apprenticeship standard code field using code 2.
You must record the End point assessment organisation identifier on apprenticeship standard programme aims once the assessment organisation has been selected. This identifier recorded in the EPAOrgID field must be a valid ID from the register of apprentice assessment organisations.
Once an End point assessment organisation has been identified on the ILR, there must be a financial record for the price of the end point assessment.
Where one apprenticeship standard has been completed and the learner is progressing to another apprenticeship programme, they cannot start the new apprenticeship until the achievement date has been returned.
The codes are also listed on the ‘Apprenticeship Standards funding bands spreadsheet’ in Column K.
23. Appendix B - Sector subject areas (SSAs)
The SSAs (also called sector subject categories) are a single framework of sectors and subjects used to categorise qualifications. This common framework was developed for using across relevant education agencies and bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
| SSA T1 code | SSA Tier 1 description | SSA T2 code | SSA Tier 2 description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Health, Public Services and Care | 01.1 | Medicine and Dentistry |
| 01 | Health, Public Services and Care | 01.2 | Nursing and Subjects and Vocations Allied to Medicine |
| 01 | Health, Public Services and Care | 01.3 | Health and Social Care |
| 01 | Health, Public Services and Care | 01.4 | Public Services |
| 01 | Health, Public Services and Care | 01.5 | Child Development and Well Being |
| 02 | Science and Mathematics | 02.1 | Science |
| 02 | Science and Mathematics | 02.2 | Mathematics and Statistics |
| 03 | Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care | 03.1 | Agriculture |
| 03 | Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care | 03.2 | Horticulture and Forestry |
| 03 | Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care | 03.3 | Animal Care and Veterinary Science |
| 03 | Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care | 03.4 | Environmental Conservation |
| 04 | Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies | 04.1 | Engineering |
| 04 | Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies | 04.2 | Manufacturing Technologies |
| 04 | Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies | 04.3 | Transportation Operations and Maintenance |
| 05 | Construction, Planning and the Built Environment | 05.1 | Architecture |
| 05 | Construction, Planning and the Built Environment | 05.2 | Building and Construction |
| 05 | Construction, Planning and the Built Environment | 05.3 | Urban, Rural and Regional Planning |
| 06 | Information and Communication Technology | 06.1 | ICT Practitioners |
| 06 | Information and Communication Technology | 06.2 | ICT for Users |
| 07 | Retail and Commercial Enterprise | 07.1 | Retailing and Wholesaling |
| 07 | Retail and Commercial Enterprise | 07.2 | Warehousing and Distribution |
| 07 | Retail and Commercial Enterprise | 07.3 | Service Enterprises |
| 07 | Retail and Commercial Enterprise | 07.4 | Hospitality and Catering |
| 08 | Leisure, Travel and Tourism | 08.1 | Sport, Leisure and Recreation |
| 08 | Leisure, Travel and Tourism | 08.2 | Travel and Tourism |
| 09 | Arts, Media and Publishing | 09.1 | Performing Arts |
| 09 | Arts, Media and Publishing | 09.2 | Crafts, Creative Arts and Design |
| 09 | Arts, Media and Publishing | 09.3 | Media and Communication |
| 09 | Arts, Media and Publishing | 09.4 | Publishing and Information Services |
| 10 | History, Philosophy and Theology | 10.1 | History |
| 10 | History, Philosophy and Theology | 10.2 | Archaeology and Archaeological Sciences |
| 10 | History, Philosophy and Theology | 10.3 | Philosophy |
| 10 | History, Philosophy and Theology | 10.4 | Theology and Religious Studies |
| 11 | Social Sciences | 11.1 | Geography |
| 11 | Social Sciences | 11.2 | Sociology and Social Policy |
| 11 | Social Sciences | 11.3 | Politics |
| 11 | Social Sciences | 11.4 | Economics |
| 11 | Social Sciences | 11.5 | Anthropology |
| 12 | Languages, Literature and Culture | 12.1 | Languages, Literature and Culture of the British Isles |
| 12 | Languages, Literature and Culture | 12.2 | Other Languages, Literature and Culture |
| 12 | Languages, Literature and Culture | 12.3 | Linguistics |
| 13 | Education and Training | 13.1 | Teaching and Lecturing |
| 13 | Education and Training | 13.2 | Direct Learning Support |
| 14 | Preparation for Life and Work | 14.1 | Foundations for Learning and Life |
| 14 | Preparation for Life and Work | 14.2 | Preparation for Work |
| 15 | Business, Administration and Law | 15.1 | Accounting and Finance |
| 15 | Business, Administration and Law | 15.2 | Administration |
| 15 | Business, Administration and Law | 15.3 | Business Management |
| 15 | Business, Administration and Law | 15.4 | Marketing and Sales |
| 15 | Business, Administration and Law | 15.5 | Law and Legal Services |
24. Archive
- European Social Fund (ESF) work experience placements and provision are no longer funded after 31 March 2023. All information related to ESF up to 31 March 2023 can be found in ‘Learning aim class codes - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 2020 to 2021’ document.