Reference Guide: ILR Submission Deadlines 2026 - 2027

Never miss an ILR deadline. Bookmark Bud’s reference guide for all 2026–2027 Individualised Learner Record (ILR) Specification submission dates – including R14 Hard Close. | 2 minute read.

Each year, data and compliance teams juggle two priorities at once: closing off the previous year’s ILR data while keeping pace with the new academic year’s submissions. It’s a demanding period, especially in September and October, when both R13 and R14 are due.

In the run-up to the R14 deadline, training providers are given these two extra months to finalise the previous year’s data and make sure everything is correct. That means that while you’re finalising last year’s data and reconciling learner statuses, you’re also enrolling and recording new learners for the current year.

Without clear planning, these competing priorities can quickly pile up – but with the right visibility, tools and timekeeping, it’s entirely manageable.

Below you’ll find the full list of ILR return dates for the  2026/27 academic years, followed by a quick summary of what’s changed in this year’s funding rules and what that means for your submissions.

ILR Return Dates 2026 - 2027

What's changed for ILR submissions in 2026/27?

The 2026/27 apprenticeship funding rules (effective from 1 August 2026) bring several updates designed to improve flexibility and align funding more closely with delivery. Some of these have direct implications for how you prepare and submit ILR data – particularly during hard close.

Learner Eligibility rules

The Level 7 age restriction introduced in January 2026 is now fully embedded. Level 7 apprenticeships remain eligible only for those aged 16-21, or 22-24 with an EHC plan or care experience.

A new age restriction has also been added for the Level 2 Administration Assistant standard, restricting starts to those aged 16-24.

Providers will need to have some strict enrolment checks that flag these restrictions before a start is recorded - not after. If an ineligible learner is recorded on the ILR, it risks a full clawback. 

Employer co-investment

Levy-paying employers with insufficient funds will see co-investment rise from 5% to 25%. A new (not yet confirmed) rate is also expected for non-levy employers with apprentices aged 25 and over, 

The full co-investment amount must still be collected and recorded in the ILR by the final submission for the academic year in which the apprentice completes, or you risk funding being clawed back. 

Training Plans need stronger completion evidence

The new 2026/27 requirement means that the employer, provider and learner must be able to formally sign off that the content of the training plan has actually been delivered, not just that a plan existed at the start.

Missing documentation is a common R14 risk, so it's worth adding the training plan sign-off requirement to your process now rather than reconstructing it at hard close. 

Plan ahead for success

Keeping on top of the ILR calendar is more than an administrative task – it’s a key part of maintaining funding assurance and data quality throughout the year.

By embedding small, consistent data checks into each return period, you’ll avoid last-minute pressure when hard close arrives in October.

If you’re already planning ahead for R14, we’ve created a number of resources designed to help you stay organised, compliant and calm:

• Download the Hard Close Survival Guide – your complete step-by-step roadmap for R01–R14, packed with practical checklists, expert insights and provider examples.
• Explore the Hard Close Content Hub – a central library of articles, deadlines and tools to help you manage every stage of your ILR submissions.