‘Exceptional’ Ofsted result for BAE Systems

Defence giant BAE Systems has been rated ‘exceptional’ by Ofsted for its “life-changing” approach to inclusion and leadership of its 2,600 apprentices.

The company received the highest possible grade under the education watchdog’s new inspection framework in both areas, alongside three ‘strong standard’ judgments.

Inspectors praised the company for its “remarkable insight” into apprentices’ barriers to learning, saying its support helps many overcome significant challenges.

Apprentices are enabled to acquire skills that help them to move “effortlessly” into a wide range of “trusted and influential roles” across the global business, managing multi-million-pound international and national contracts, Ofsted’s report said.

Apprentices told inspectors that BAE’s approach had a “life-changing impact” on their self-esteem and confidence, enabling them to develop career aspirations they had not previously thought possible.

Richard Hamer, HR director of education and skills at BAE Systems, said: “Apprenticeships are a fantastic gateway to a successful career and being considered by Ofsted as one of the strongest providers in England means a great deal to us.

“This outcome is testament to the high standards and quality of our training, the support our apprentices receive and the real contribution they make to our business. It also reflects the hard work of everyone at BAE Systems who make our apprenticeship schemes such a success year in, year out.”

A ‘unique approach’ to inclusion

BAE Systems uses technology to support the armed forces and security services by air, at sea, on land, in space and in the cyber domain.

It offers apprenticeships from levels 2 to 7 in roles including engineering technician, plate welder, metal fabricator, project manager, aerospace engineer and digital and technology solutions professional.

Just over half of its apprentices are aged 16 to 18.

The company was last inspected by Ofsted in 2021, when it received an overall ‘outstanding’ rating.

Under Ofsted’s new framework, introduced in November, providers are no longer given a single overall judgment. Instead, they receive grades across multiple areas on a five-point scale ranging from ‘exceptional’ to ‘urgent improvement’.

BAE is the first employer provider to receive an ‘exceptional’ grade for inclusion and leadership and governance.

Inspectors said BAE has a “long-established and exceptional culture” of inclusion that “permeates” the organisation and extends to its subcontracted provision.

Before apprentices start their programmes, staff discuss their strengths and personal circumstances and identify any barriers to learning.

Ofsted described this as a “unique approach” that gives leaders, staff and workplace line managers highly personalised information about the support each apprentice needs.

BAE provides resources to make learning more accessible, including digital devices, artificial intelligence tools to help with reading and transcribing information, and British Sign Language experts.

A significant proportion of apprentices go on to secure prominent promotions, Ofsted found.

Apprentices are also given opportunities to take leading roles in multi-million-pound bids and organisational projects and campaigns, including television interviews and royal and parliamentary visits.

Those who have experience of the care system receive financial support to help them live independently and buy resources needed for their studies.

Culture of ‘psychological safety’

Inspectors also praised BAE’s governors who work in “synergy” with leaders to drive strategic priorities while putting apprentices’ best interests first.

Governors and leaders have an “unwavering passion” for growing talent within the business and creating lifelong career pathways, Ofsted said.

They have also created a culture of “psychological safety” for apprentices and staff.

BAE provides staff, including those working for subcontracted providers, with a “comprehensive programme of professional development” to ensure teachers are subject experts.

The company subcontracts just under half of its apprenticeship provision to nine training providers across England.

Its largest subcontractors are Furness College, Blackpool and The Fylde College, and the University of Cumbria.

Inspectors said BAE “rigorously” monitors the quality of its subcontracted provision and provides swift support where improvements are needed.

The company recorded an 88 per cent overall apprenticeship achievement rate in 2024-25, compared with a national average of 65 per cent.