Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe We’re days away from the new academic year, and a return to work means fresh Ofsted inspections. So what have nine months of the inspectorate’s new report card regime revealed? From November to July, 279 full inspections of FE and skills providers were published, with the five-point grading system applied across up to 16 individual evaluation areas. Independent training providers (ITPs) accounted for 209 (75 per cent) of inspections, while general FE colleges made up just 5 per cent with 14 inspected. The rest was split between employer providers, independent specialist colleges, local authority providers and higher education institutions. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in
Alison Elizabeth Scott 3 September 2026 Surely a grade no one achieves begs the question of why it has a place in the inspection framework. “Exceptional” may as well be replaced by “Miraculous”. A “Strong” standard of provision is a remarkable achievement in itself.