The Learning Records Service and ULNs, explained.

Journey’s funding and ILR software keeps the ULN on the same learner record your ILR return is built from, so a correction is made once.

What a ULN is

A unique learner number is a 10-digit reference held on the Learner Register, which the Learning Records Service (LRS) maintains. The ILR specification defines the ULN field as the learner’s number as held on that register, and a valid entry is in the range 1000000000 to 9999999999. The same number follows the learner between providers, so it links their achievements to their Personal Learning Record.

How providers get a ULN

Providers find or register ULNs through the LRS Organisation Portal, or by contacting the Learning Records Service. The ILR specification asks providers to make every effort to get a ULN for every learner, including learners who are not funded. Search for an existing ULN before registering a new one, because a second number for the same person splits their record.

When 9999999999 is allowed

If a ULN cannot be obtained, the ILR specification says 9999999999 must be returned, with one important exception: it must never be used for an apprenticeship funded through a contract for services with the employer (FundModel 36 with LearnDelFAMType ACT1). Every one of those apprentices needs a real ULN.

For other learners the placeholder can be used temporarily while the provider registers the learner, until 1 January of the current year. After that it is only allowed for non-funded aims (but not aims financed by an Advanced Learner Loan), aims that started less than 60 calendar days before the file preparation date, and aims planned or actually lasting less than 5 days.

Keeping ULNs accurate

• Check the learner’s name, date of birth and gender against the LRS record before you submit, because a mismatch is the usual cause of a ULN rejection.
• Treat a placeholder on an apprentice as a blocker, not a note to fix later.
• Record which member of staff confirmed the ULN and when, so an auditor can follow the check.
• Run a ULN check as part of every return, using the ILR return calendar to plan when.

The free break or withdrawal decision tool includes a downloadable ILR data quality checklist that covers ULN checks alongside dates and funding fields.

Primary sources

• Department for Education, ILR specification 2026 to 2027: ULN field — guidance.submit-learner-data.service.gov.uk/26-27/ilr/entity/Learner/field/ULN (accessed 15 October 2026).
• Department for Education, Learning Records Service collection — gov.uk/government/collections/learning-records-service (accessed 15 October 2026).

• Can I use 9999999999 for an apprentice?

  Not for an apprenticeship funded through a contract for services with the employer (FundModel 36 with ACT1). Those apprentices must have a real ULN.

• Where do providers get ULNs?

  From the LRS Organisation Portal, or by contacting the Learning Records Service.

• Does a learner keep the same ULN if they change provider?

  Yes. The ULN is unique to the learner, so search for an existing number before registering a new one.