
2025 No. 879
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, ENGLAND
EDUCATION, ENGLAND
The Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025
Made 16th July 2025
Coming into force 17th July 2025
The Secretary of State makes this Order in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 105A(1)(a), (2)(a), (3)(b), 114(1) and 117(5) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (“the 2009 Act”).In accordance with section 105B(1)(b) and (2) of the 2009 Act the following Combined Authorities and each of their respective constituent councils have consented to the making of this Order—
(a) the Greater Manchester Combined Authority;
(b) the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority;
(c) the West of England Combined Authority;
(d) the West Midlands Combined Authority;
(e) the Tees Valley Combined Authority;
(f) the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority;
(g) the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority;
(h) the West Yorkshire Combined Authority;
(i) the North East Mayoral Combined Authority.The Secretary of State considers that in accordance with sections 105B(1)(b), 113(1)(a) and (aa) of the 2009 Act, the making of this Order is—
(a) likely to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of some or all of the people who live or work in the areas to which this Order relates; and
(b) appropriate having regard to the need to secure effective and convenient local government, and to reflect the identities and interests of local communities.A public consultation has been carried out in accordance with section 113(1)(b) and (2) of the 2009 Act.In accordance with section 105B(9) of the 2009 Act, the Secretary of State has laid a report before Parliament explaining the effect of this Order and why the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to make this Order.A draft of this Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament pursuant to section 117(2) of the 2009 Act.
Citation, commencement and extent
1 

(1) This Order may be cited as the Combined Authorities (Adult Education Functions) (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on the day after the day on which it is made.
(2) This Order extends to England and Wales.
Amendment of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018
2 

(1) The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 4—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018
3 

(1) The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 4—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018
4 

(1) The West of England Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 4—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018
5 

(1) The West Midlands Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 4—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018
6 

(1) The Tees Valley Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 4—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018
7 

(1) The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2018 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 4—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In the Schedule, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020
8 

(1) The Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2020 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 7—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In Schedule 1, after paragraph 5(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021
9 

(1) The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 7—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps toward occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In Schedule 1, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Amendment of the North East Mayoral Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2024
10 

(1) The North East Mayoral Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2024 is amended as follows.
(2) In article 30—
(a) in paragraph (1)—
(i) for “paragraph (2)” substitute “paragraphs (2), (2A) and (2B)”;
(ii) omit the “and” after sub-paragraph (a);
(b) after paragraph (1)(b), insert—“
; and
(c) section 100(1B) (provision of financial resources in connection with approved technical education qualifications or approved steps towards occupational competence).
”;
(c) in paragraph (2), omit sub-paragraph (a) and the “or” after it;
(d) after paragraph (2) insert—“
(2A) The functions mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) and (b) do not include any function relating to apprenticeship training.
(2B) The function mentioned in paragraph (1)(c) does not include any function relating to a person who, at the time of starting a course of study for an approved technical education qualification or starting to take approved steps towards occupational competence, is—
(a) aged under 19; or
(b) aged under 25 for whom an EHC Plan is maintained.
(2C) In paragraph (2B), an “EHC Plan” means a plan within the meaning of section 37(2) of the Children and Families Act 2014.”.
(3) In Schedule 3, after paragraph 6(b) insert—“
(ba) in subsection (1B), for the reference to “Secretary of State” there were substituted “Combined Authority”;”.
Smith of Malvern
Minister of State
Department for Education
16th July 2025