There are 3 separate funding claim windows for academic year 2026 to 2027 as follows:

1. Autumn– The first funding claim window in which we expect most of you to submit funding claims. It is open from 7 September 2026 to 11 November 2026. Payments will be made in February 2027 (March 2027 for academies) after we have completed all checks, validations and quality assurance processes.
2. Winter - The second funding claim window .You will be able to submit any new funding claims in this period. It opens from 4 January 2027 to 10 February 2027. Payments will be made in April 2027 (May 2027 for academies) after we have completed all checks, validations and quality assurance processes
3. Summer/end of year reconciliation (EoYR) for academic year 2026 to 2027. This form is open from 17 May to 2 July 2027. If you received C2L funding through an autumn or winter claim, you must submit EOYR data. If you do not, we will recover the C2L funding in full. You can also submit grant adjustments. Final payments and recoveries will be processed in September 2027 (October 2027 for academies) after we have completed all checks, validations and quality assurance processes.

What you can apply for:

Complete the following digital forms, as appropriate, to claim for 16 to 19 grant funding:

• Care to Learn (C2L). Read the C2L conditions of grant (opens in a new tab) if needed.

• 16 to 19 Bursary Fund for defined vulnerable groups (VB). Read the VB guidance (opens in a new tab) if needed.

Also read guidance on submitting digital claim forms (opens in a new tab) for help when submitting.

DfE Sign-In

You'll need a DfE Sign-in account to use this service.

If you have not used DfE Sign-in before you'll need to create an account (opens in new tab) and link it to your organisation.

If you have any questions

You can contact us at our Customer Help Portal (opens in new tab)