Act now to make the most of Level 7 funding before the January 2026 deadline - and explore Level 6 as a long-term pathway for developing senior managers!
Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships sit at the top of the UK apprenticeship system. They’re designed to take experienced staff and help them step into senior management and strategic leadership roles. For employers, they provide a structured, funded way to grow future leaders from within whether that’s preparing a Marketing Manager to take on broader responsibility, or developing an Operations Lead into a strategic decision-maker.
The Department for Education has released the latest apprenticeship figures for the first three-quarters of the 2024/25 academic year (covering August 2024 to April 2025). The numbers point to strong growth at higher levels, with more learners and employers recognising the value of Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships.
The Headline Numbers
- Almost 50,000 people started a Level 6 or 7 apprenticeship this year - a 13% increase on last year.
- Of these, 25,800 were Level 7 starts, showing that many organisations are moving quickly to secure places while funding is still available.
Why Leadership, Management and Marketing Stand Out
The most popular subject area is still Business, Administration and Law, with over 80,000 apprenticeship starts this year. This category includes the leadership, management and marketing programmes delivered here at Ascento.
So why is demand in this area so strong?
- Businesses need future leaders: Skills shortages in management and marketing mean employers are looking for structured ways to grow talent from within; apprenticeships give them a clear route to do this.
- Levy funding is pushing investment: Almost two-thirds of all apprenticeships (67.4%) are levy-funded, so larger employers are making use of the levy they already pay rather than letting that money go unused. For organisations that don’t use their levy, it’s money already paid out that’s going to waste, funding that could be developing their own people.
- A real alternative to university: The growth in Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships shows that more organisations and learners see them as a credible alternative to traditional university routes and are proving valuable for senior leadership and strategic marketing roles.
Who’s Taking Part?
The data shows apprenticeships are attracting a broad mix of learners:
- More than 137,000 people aged 25 and over started apprenticeships this year. This shows they’re not just for school leavers, many professionals are using them to develop their careers.
- Diversity is improving: Starts among learners from minority ethnic backgrounds rose by nearly 11%, and participation by learners with learning difficulties or disabilities also increased.
What’s Changing: Level 7 Funding Phase-Out
From January 2026, funding for most Level 7 apprenticeships (master’s equivalent) will be withdrawn. Only apprentices aged 16–21 at the start of their programme will still be eligible for funding with exceptions for care leavers and those with an EHCP up to the age of 25. Apprentices who start before this cutoff are guaranteed continued funding through completion.
This change is already influencing behaviour: with 25,800 Level 7 starts this year, many organisations are moving quickly to secure places while public funding is still available.
This phase-out could leave a skills gap at the very top of organisations. Employers may need to look at Level 6 pathways or fund Level 7 privately if they want to grow strategic leaders internally.
A Closer Look at Level 6
While many employers are moving quickly to secure fully funded Level 7 places before the January 2026 deadline, it’s important to remember that Level 6 apprenticeships remain a strong long-term option.
A Level 6 apprenticeship is particularly well-suited to roles such as Marketing Manager; these programmes combine strategic thinking with day-to-day management skills, giving employers a way to develop future leaders.
For many businesses, Level 6 apprenticeships strike the right balance: advanced enough to prepare staff for senior roles, but practical enough to deliver immediate value to the organisation.
What This Means for Employers
For employers, the message is clear: Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships are one of the most cost-effective ways to invest in future leaders, but it’s vital to plan ahead to make the most of current funding.
- Act now to secure Level 7 places before the January 2026 deadline.
- Look at Level 6 as a sustainable, long-term option that remains fully funded and bridges the gap between mid-level managers and strategic leaders.
For leadership, management and marketing roles, apprenticeships offer three key advantages:
- Immediate impact: apprentices bring fresh skills into live business projects.
- Structured development: programmes are built around business needs, from team management to digital marketing.
- Retention benefits: employees who feel supported are more likely to stay and progress.
The latest data confirms what we see every day at Ascento: demand for higher-level apprenticeships is growing. More employers are choosing to use their levy funds to upskill staff, and more learners are taking Level 6 and 7 qualifications as a practical alternative to university.
What to Watch in 2025–26
The next few months will be critical as employers prepare for funding reforms and the Level 7 phase-out.
- Level 7 phase-out preparations: With funding for most Level 7 apprenticeships ending in January 2026, many organisations are expected to begin programmes in the next few months to secure funding while it is still available. We’re already seeing growing demand for our Level 7 Senior Leader apprenticeship.
- Support for progression at Level 6: As Level 7 funding closes, many employers are likely to increase their use of Level 6 apprenticeships to continue developing managers into senior leaders.
- Sector growth areas: Business, Administration and Law, including leadership, management and marketing, is expected to show steady growth in 2025–26 as employers respond to persistent skills gaps.
So for businesses, the real question is not “should we consider apprenticeships?” but rather “how can we use Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships to build the leaders our organisation needs?”
If you would like to explore how our programmes in leadership, management and digital marketing could support your workforce, get in touch. We can help you understand and choose the right apprenticeship pathway to meet your organisation’s needs whether that’s acting quickly to secure a Level 7 place before the 2026 funding deadline, or investing in a Level 6 programme such as Marketing Manager that remains a sustainable, funded option for long-term development.
