* The Order brought Section 246 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 into force for England on 1st April 2026, mandating recording and reporting of staff use of force on pupils.

This Order, made by the Secretary of State under powers in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, specifically brings Section 246 of that Act into force across England starting on April 1st, 2026; this action inserts a new requirement into the Education and Inspections Act 2006, obligating governing bodies of schools in England to establish procedures for recording and reporting significant incidents where staff use force against pupils to the relevant parents, unless doing so would risk harm to the pupil.

The 2025 regulations amended the 2017 Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, reducing the minimum duration for apprenticeship practical periods and training from 12 to 8 months.

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amend the 2017 regulations to shorten the minimum duration of practical training periods for English apprenticeships from 12 to 8 months.

This applies to both standard and alternative apprenticeship arrangements.

The regulations were made by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and extend to England and Wales.

No significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

The regulations transferred certain adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, with conditions and modifications to existing legislation.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transfer specific adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, effective August 1, 2025.

These functions, primarily related to education and training for individuals aged 19 and over, include provision of facilities, payment of tuition fees and financial resource provisions; however, functions relating to apprenticeships, individuals in adult detention, and the power to create regulations are excluded.

The regulations ensure the Combined County Authority operates under guidance and directions from the Secretary of State, and a report explaining the regulations' impact was submitted to Parliament.

The Order transferred certain adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, modifying relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025 transfers specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The transfer, effective August 1, 2025, covers functions under sections 86-88 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, excluding apprenticeship training and those concerning persons in adult detention.

Section 90 and section 100(1) and (1B) functions will be exercised concurrently.

The Combined Authority must adhere to Secretary of State guidance and directions regarding eligibility rules for awards.

The Order also modifies relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change in responsibilities.

The Order appointed Sir Ian Bauckham as Chief Regulator of Qualifications and Examinations, effective February 6th, 2025.

The Chief Regulator of Qualifications and Examinations Order 2025 appoints Sir Ian Bauckham as the Chief Regulator of Qualifications and Examinations in England, effective February 6th, 2025.

This appointment is authorized by the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and applies specifically to England.

The Order clarifies the title and commencement date for this new role.