CIPD Level 7 Courses & Apprenticeship Levy Changes - What you need to know
- jonathangarnett8
- Oct 6
- 2 min read
Our advanced CIPD Level 7 qualifications are designed for professionals aiming to operate at a senior strategic level in HR or Learning & Development (L&D).
These courses are equivalent to postgraduate study and are recognised for developing leaders in people management and organisational strategy.
Available Programmes:
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management – Focused on senior HR leadership, people strategy, and organisational management.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development – Centred on designing and delivering organisational learning, leadership development, and long-term L&D strategy.
Key Features:
Flexible delivery (online live workshops or on-demand study).
Small group sessions (around 25 learners).
Unlimited tutor support.
Payment plans available for self-funding learners.
Can be studied independently or via the apprenticeship route (if eligible).
Apprenticeship Levy Funding – Changes from 2026
Currently, many of our learners fund the CIPD Level 7 courses through the apprenticeship levy, with their employers able to use government funding.
However, from 1 January 2026, the rules surrounding this will change significantly.
New Rules:
Who's eligible for Levy Funding?
Apprentices starting a Level 7 programme aged 16–21 at the start date. Also, if you’re aged under 25 and a care leaver or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Who isn’t eligible?
Learners aged 22 and over at the start of a Level 7 apprenticeship (unless they meet the care leaver/EHCP exception).
What about current apprentices?
Those who start before 1 January 2026 will continue to receive funding until they complete their programme.
Why the change?
The government wants to rebalance apprenticeship funding to focus on younger learners and earlier-career training.
Level 7 apprenticeships, which are equivalent to master’s degrees, are often taken by established professionals. By tightening eligibility, funding is then redirected towards lower levels and earlier skills development.
What This Means for You
Under 22:Â You can still start a Level 7 apprenticeship after January 2026 with levy funding.
22 or Older:Â You will not be eligible for levy funding from January 2026 onwards, unless you qualify under the EHCP or care leaver exception. You may need employer sponsorship or to self-fund.
Before the Deadline:Â If you want levy funding and are 22 or older, you must start your apprenticeship before 1 January 2026.
Next Steps:
Check your age and eligibility.
Confirm with your employer whether they can use levy funding before the changes take effect.
Explore alternative funding if you’ll be ineligible from 2026.
Consider acting now – starting a programme before the deadline ensures access to existing funding support.
Get Started with a Level 7 CIPD Apprenticeship
Our CIPD Level 7 programmes are excellent pathways into senior HR and L&D leadership roles.
With upcoming changes to apprenticeship funding, you and your employer need to plan carefully.
Those under 22 remain eligible for levy funding, while those 22 and over should act before 2026 to secure financial support.
If you're interested in joining, click the buttons below to find out more:
Other options available...