Apprenticeships in England are moving away from traditional End-Point Assessment (EPA) to a new, more flexible Apprenticeship Assessment model. The change allows assessment to take place at appropriate points during an apprenticeship, rather than only at the end, helping to reduce duplication and delays while maintaining high standards.
Under the new approach, employers play a greater role in confirming workplace behaviours, assessment plans are shorter and clearer, and independent assessment organisations continue to ensure quality and rigour. The reforms apply to new apprenticeship starts from August 2025, with a phased transition as standards are updated.
The changes are designed to make assessment simpler, more proportionate and better aligned with real workplace competence — benefiting apprentices, employers and providers alike.
