We are delighted to announce the outcome of our most recent Ofsted inspection, which confirmed that we are operating at, and above the expected standard. This judgement is something we are genuinely proud of – and we want to take a moment to explain why.
In Ofsted terms, expected standard is not a bare minimum or a simple box-ticking exercise. It is not a “basic pass”. Rather, it signifies a high, secure, and consistent level of quality across all key areas. It means we are doing everything we should be doing; effectively, reliably, and with learners at the heart of every decision. It reflects strong leadership, clear intent, and the consistent delivery of high-quality provision day in, day out.
Ofsted’s findings affirm that our approach is robust, well-embedded, and working as intended. Achieving this standard requires clarity of purpose, skilled staff, strong systems and a culture of continuous improvement – all of which were recognised during the inspection.
We are particularly proud of the inspectors’ recognition of our strong standard in achievement. Learner achievement is central to our mission, and this outcome reflects the hard work of our teams and the determination of our learners. Strong achievement means learners are developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to progress confidently – whether into sustained employment, further training, or the next stage of their careers.
This is also reflected in our QAR and overall success rates. We have maintained a 100% pass rate once again, and because of this excellent achievement, our QAR now sits at 78.1% – well above the national average. Additionally, our Merit/ Distinction rate is at an impressive 89%, showcasing exactly why we achieved our strong standard in achievement.
This result also reinforces our commitment to quality, not just in meeting standards, but in maintaining them consistently across all programmes. Quality for us is not about doing the minimum required; it is about providing a learning experience that is structured, supportive and ambitious, ensuring learners are well-prepared for the real world.
We want to extend our thanks to our incredible staff, whose professionalism, expertise and dedication made this outcome possible, and to our learners and employer partners for their trust and engagement.
The full Ofsted report is available to read here. While we are pleased with this outcome, we see it as a milestone rather than a finish line. We remain firmly committed to continuous improvement and to building on this strong foundation in everything we do.
