CIMA has confirmed that it plans to withdraw from offering Level 7 apprenticeships for new students when the new standard is implemented on 18 December 2026.
There will be no impact on students currently enrolled on CIMA’s apprenticeship programmes and they will remain fully supported until completing their pathways.
The decision comes after the government changes in policy and follow-on discussions with employers, tuition providers, Skills England and the Department for Education. Government changes mean the number of individuals eligible for L7 apprenticeships under the new funding rules is set to drop significantly as new policy will now focus on 16–21-year-olds and some eligible learners aged 22 to 24.
As a result of the government changes many employers have already changed how they support their employees through CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification, using existing pathways such as the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) or the self-tailored pathway.
CIMA’s Level 4 apprenticeship offering remains unchanged and it stressed it will continue to provide this as an important, accessible entry point into the finance and accounting profession.
Paul Turner, FCMA, CGMA, Vice President, UK, Ireland & Europe at CIMA, said: “We are disappointed by the government’s changes, and the decision to close Level 7 apprenticeships to new enrolments was not taken lightly. CIMA has long championed apprenticeships as a route into the profession, and will continue to support existing Level 7 learners alongside our Level 4 routes.
“Skills development remains central to our mission. We are committed to opening clear, flexible and accessible routes to the CGMA Professional Qualification, working with employers, tuition providers and students to build the finance talent businesses need now and in the future.”
