Weir ‘outstanding’ again after rare double Ofsted inspection

An apprenticeship provider has retained its ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating after overturning a provisional lower judgment through a rare second inspection.

Weir Training Limited scored grade ones across the board in a glowing report published today – a repeat of the same feat it accomplished in 2018.

The latest inspection report for the south east provider heaps praise on “highly effective curriculums”, “very successful” engagement with employers to meet specific business needs, “expert” staff who provide “exceptionally high quality” training and “highly committed” leaders.

Apprentices “thrive” at Weir Training, achieve “excellent results” and “greatly value the positive impact of training on their job roles”, the report added.

However, FE Week understands the provider was forced to challenge Ofsted after its initial inspection, conducted in May, resulted in a drop in its overall grade.

The watchdog accepted complaints about the provisional result and dispatched a fresh inspection team to conduct another visit in July. This resulted in ‘outstanding’ judgments across the board.

Changes to judgments under the moderation process are rare – it hasn’t happened in FE since 2022-23, according to Ofsted’s annual reports.

Weir Training director Julie Ridley said: “The inspection process was unusual; we received two visits. The initial visit in May 2025 was confirmed as ‘incomplete with unsecure judgments’.

“While it was a difficult experience, we had taken the rare step of independently challenging the initial outcome as we believed so strongly in the quality and integrity of our provision.

“A subsequent ‘gathering additional evidence’ visit was carried out in July 2025 by a different, out-of-area inspection team.

“Securing outstanding across the board once again affirms what we and our stakeholders, already knew, that our approach is rigorous, inclusive and sector leading.”

The specifics of Weir Training’s challenge could not be shared at this time.

Ofsted is currently overhauling its inspection process after a coroner ruled that an Ofsted inspection contributed to the death of headteacher Ruth Perry and amid wider concerns about the reliability of inspection judgments.

New-style report cards are due to be rolled out this autumn, with headline overall grades for FE providers removed in favour of sub-judgments in up to 20 areas. 

Ofsted is expected to publish its response to a consultation on the proposals and confirm its final position this month.

Quality prevailed

Weir Training was created in 2000 and had 125 apprentices on its books at the time of Ofsted’s visit on standards from levels 2 to 5 in business admin, leadership, customer service, education and retail.

The report lauded the “professionalism” of apprentices who have “exceptionally positive attitudes to their learning” as they benefit from a “culture of care that staff have created”.

Leaders are also “very ambitious for all apprentices, including those with SEND, to make very rapid progress” and collaborate “effectively” with employers to ensure “apprentices make significant contributions to their workplaces”.

Ofsted said leaders and staff ensure that on-the-job and off-the-job training is “well aligned, so apprentices can practise and consolidate learning at work”, while “experienced and expert training staff use a range of effective teaching strategies to help apprentices build knowledge and skills”.

The report added: “Staff prioritise apprentices’ well-being, so apprentices know how to stay physically and mentally healthy. With close staff support, apprentices explore relevant topics, such as the menopause, mental health strategies and sleep.”

Weir Training’s “high quality” careers guidance was also highlighted by Ofsted, as were the provider’s “experienced” governors who “provide leaders with effective challenge and hold them to account for the quality of training”.

The proportion of apprentices who complete on time and achieve their apprenticeship has “improved significantly”, Ofsted added.

Government data shows Weir Training’s overall qualification achievement rate rose from 53.3 per cent in 2022-23 to 67 per cent in 2023-24.

Ridley said: “We are incredibly proud. To secure this judgment for a second time is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our apprentices and the strong partnerships we have built with employers and the wider community.

“Above all, this outcome demonstrates the dedication of our team and the power of standing firm in the pursuit of fairness and accuracy.

“I would like to sincerely thank our amazing staff, apprentices, employers and stakeholders for their unwavering support and shared belief in our mission to inspire excellence in everything we do.”

Ofsted declined to comment.

Merger date set for mega south west college group

Two south west colleges have announced their intention to merge in January.

Exeter College and Petroc today launched a public consultation on their proposal to create a large college group in the region that would serve more than 16,000 learners, employs nearly 2,000 staff and have a turnover in excess of £100 million.

The pair first explored merging in 2015 and reignited the talks this April.

If approved, the new organisation would be known as the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group (ENDC) from January 5, 2026.

The proposal is a voluntary merger, with neither college in any form of intervention. But Petroc was downgraded to ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted last year and experienced financial challenges that led to staff redundancies and the resignation of former principal Sean Mackney.

Exeter College is judged ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and is double the size of Petroc in terms of student numbers, staff and income.

A spokesperson said that by combining their resources and expertise, the colleges “aim to create a stronger, more resilient group with the capacity to invest in learners, staff and facilities, while responding more effectively to local and regional skills needs”.

The new group would oversee two sixth form provisions in Exeter and North Devon, alongside an expanded apprenticeship, adult, SEND and higher technical education offer across the county.

Petroc’s Barnstaple campus would become known as North Devon College, while Exeter College would retain its name. 

But Petroc’s Tiverton campus will become the “Centre for Progression, Tiverton”, with a new focus of supporting young people with additional learning needs.

John Laramy, CEO of Exeter College, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to create the best place-based college group in England.

“By joining forces, each college aims to deliver even greater opportunities for learners, employers and communities across Devon; underpinned by the capacity, capability and resilience offered by being part of a larger group.”

Under the plans, Petroc would dissolve on January 5.

All students at Petroc who have not yet completed their course by the date of the proposed dissolution will “continue their education in the merged college on the same campus where they studied immediately prior to the dissolution of the Corporation of Petroc”, the consultation document said.

This will affect around 4,526 students.

Kurt Hintz, interim CEO of Petroc, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to pool our strengths and knowledge, building economic resilience and maintaining outstanding sixth-form provision on both sides of the county.

“This merger will give learners more choice, better progression routes and access to specialist facilities, while employers gain a single, stronger partner that is responsive to local skills needs.”

The public consultation will run from today until September 30, 2025. The outcome will be published by November 30.

Another large college merger completed in neighbouring Somerset on August 1. Strode College has now dissolved and joined Bridgwater and Taunton College to create the University Centre Somerset College Group (UCS College Group).

Sudden closures hit Derbyshire adult education centres

A Reform UK-run council in the East Midlands has claimed it needs to suddenly close a third of its adult education centres due to “rapid changes to grant conditions” it has known about for at least six months.

Derbyshire County Council took the unusual step of announcing the closures to five of its centres yesterday (August 28), effective from Monday September 1, without advanced notice or consultation.

The closures, which will affect an estimated 1,300 learners and at least 22 employed staff, have been met with outrage from local MPs.

In a statement, cabinet member for SEND and education, Jack Bradley, blamed government funding for needing to close the buildings and argued that the decision “future-proofs” the council’s adult education service.

He added that the council will consult “all stakeholders” on a full review of its adult education services and continue to offer courses from its remaining centres.

Costs of teaching, business support and property at the five sites announced for closure – all of which it owns – amount to an estimated £1 million per year, about a quarter of the council’s overall adult education service budget.

Running one centre in Long Eaton cost an estimated £1,462 per learner, higher than the average of £731 for the whole service, which teaches about 5,900 learners each year.

It leaves the county with eight centres, following the closure of two other centres in July this year.

Courses offered at the centres earmarked for closure include English, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), maths, basic digital skills.

Other council-run courses still available for enrolment include careers workshops, cooking for adults with learning disabilities, yoga for wellbeing, and diplomas for working with children or in care.

Last-minute announcement

For reasons that are unclear, Derbyshire County Council published the closure report on the day it took effect, appearing to breach its own constitution which requires it to give 28-days’ notice before taking a high value decision and to publish a detailed report five days in advance.

The August 28 report, approved by Cllr Bradley, says the council’s adult education service has seen a grant income reduction of about £1.3 million, or 19 per cent, due to the end of Multiply funding in April and cuts to adult skills fund (ASF) allocations from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The council claims that these reductions mean it needs “rapidly and dramatically” withdraw from a total of seven centres, which it says have “poor reach for area of need” or high costs per learner.

It argues that reducing costs will “afford greater service flexibility” such as moving provision to community buildings such as schools and libraries.

The council has known that EMCCA, which took control of adult skills funding this academic year, planned to reduce its allocation by about £400,000 to £4.5 million since April this year.

Local authorities including Derbyshire County Council have also known that funding for adult numeracy programme Multiply was due to end in April since at least November 2024.

An EMCCA spokesperson said:”The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has awarded Derbyshire County Council more than £4.5m in adult skills funding for 2025/26 and it is up to the authority to ensure it reaches the people, businesses and communities who will benefit most.”

Natalie Fleet, Labour MP for Bolsover, where one of the centres is located said it’s “disgusting” that the council had agreed the closures “without even speaking to the public and explaining why”.

She added: “We were promised transparency with a Reform-run county council, instead we’re getting deals behind closed doors.

“The people of Shirebrook deserve as many education resources as possible, not to see them being snatched away with no notice. Residents are angry about this, and I am too. It’s not good enough.”

Adult education ‘desert’ fears

Derbyshire County Council is not the only local authority to cut back its adult education service footprint in the last year, sparking fears of “deserts” for adults seeking better qualifications.

In December, Cornwall County Council confirmed the closure of seven of its 17 centres and Kent County Council – also Reform-run – confirmed the closure of at least one centre.

Both councils carried out public consultations before making a final decision.

Sue Pember, policy lead at adult education body HOLEX, said: “This type of reduction in premises will become widespread if national funding is continually reduced.”

Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: “It is scandalous that Reform is tearing up Derbyshire’s adult education provision without even consulting the public and those affected, including learners and staff whose livelihoods are going to be affected without any proper process.

“The people of Derbyshire did not vote for important community provision to be slashed and Reform now needs to immediately change course, keep the adult education centres open and consult fully before making such drastic changes.

“We are asking all concerned Derbyshire residents to sign our save adult education campaign petition and write to their MP demanding fair funding and an end to the cuts.”

Jonathan Davies, Labour MP for Mid Derbyshire, said: “Lifelong learning helps people fulfil their potential and grow the economy. It also prevents people becoming unemployed as the world of work rapidly changes.

“That is why Reform-led Derbyshire County Council’s decision to shut some of its adult education centres – taken behind closed doors and without public consultation – is so appalling.

“Around 1,300 learners will be hit by this decision. Those reliant on public transport may not find it viable to make a longer journey to one of the few remaining centres.

“I am calling on Reform to find ways to make these centres work – including by attracting more learners and building partnerships to make them more financially sustainable.”

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We have further devolved adult skills funding to give those with local knowledge the power they need to make decisions that are best for their areas. For Derbyshire, the funding has been transferred to East Midlands Mayoral Strategic Authority.

“Adult education is key to our mission to grow the economy through our Plan for Change, which is why we are spending over £1.4bn this financial year on the Adult Skills Fund despite the challenging fiscal environment, as well as launching Technical Excellence Colleges like the construction TEC at Derby College.”

Skills bootcamp provider scores top marks from Ofsted

A Reading-based skills bootcamp provider has been awarded the top rating by Ofsted inspectors for having a “transformational effect” on learners’ futures.

The Curious Academy, which delivers government-funded 12-week bootcamps in digital marketing and data analytics at its co-working office in Reading, wowed the watchdog for its “exceptional” support of learners’ careers and technical skills well beyond course completion. 

During its July 15 to 17 inspection, the independent training provider (ITP) had 19 adults learning digital marketing and 10 enrolled on the data analytics bootcamps.

In its first full inspection report published this morning, the team of three Ofsted inspectors found bootcamp trainers tailor learners’ interests and career ambitions, as well as providing personalised career and technical guidance.

“For example, learners who are interested in housing analyse national housing data and those who are interested in the beauty sector analyse shifts in consumer trends,” the report said.

While learners come to the Curious Academy with little or no prior knowledge, the inspection found they develop “substantial” new skills that “transformational effect on their futures”.

Students also benefit from leading peer discussions and feedback, which impressed Ofsted, who said the ITP’s learner-led activities and teacher expertise prepares them “exceptionally well” for professional work after the course.

Matt Bovey, course director, told FE Week: “We’re proud to have achieved ‘outstanding’ in our first Ofsted inspection as a skills bootcamp provider. We are committed to in-person learning – our twice-weekly, face-to-face classes in Reading create the accountability and peer collaboration that we believe are essential for effective professional skills training.”

“The inspection particularly recognised the supportive learning environment we create and our commitment to providing ongoing support to learners well beyond course completion,” he added.

Bovey also mused the reason for receiving the top Ofsted marks was “the fact that we’re committed to positive outcomes for the students.”

Inspectors commended almost all learners, including disadvantaged students, for completing their bootcamps successfully, achieved by a presentation of their final project or securing a job interview.

“We’re fortunate enough to have our own venue that is also a co-working space. Students are invited to use the space after they graduate and a number of them now work for employers that use the space,” Bovey added.

Leaders were praised for their “highly effective culture of continuous quality improvement” that reviews curriculums to reflect “rapidly evolving” skills priorities.

“For example, leaders adapted the data analytics curriculum to include more advanced tools such as specific programming languages and data visualisation in response to feedback from learners and employers,” the report added.

They also sought learner feedback and tracked their next steps after completing the bootcamp.

Inspectors even commended leaders’ work with employers, particularly those who have hired bootcamp graduates, to check the suitability of the training and to ensure it meets industry expectations.

“We have a number of employers now that are waiting for people to finish the bootcamps,” Bovey said.

“I think there’s a stigma about people on bootcamps. There’s possibly not enough providers doing it well and not enough employers engaging so there seems to be a missing part of the process somewhere.”

Ellen Thinnesen named as new FE Commissioner

The chief executive of a north east college group has been appointed as the next FE Commissioner.

Ellen Thinnesen, who heads up Education Partnership North East (EPNE), will succeed Shelagh Legrave from January.

Legrave has held the job since 2021. Her tenure was due to end in October, but she will remain in post until Thinnesen serves out her notice, FE Week understands.

Thinnesen began her career as a nurse before moving into FE. She worked in senior college posts at Tameside College, Manchester, and Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education before becoming principal at Sunderland College in 2016.

While running Sunderland College she led two mergers with Northumberland College and Hartlepool Sixth Form College to create EPNE in 2019. 

EPNE, which has about 15,000 students, seven main campuses and an income of about £63 million, was rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted last year. 

Thinnesen said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed Further Education Commissioner at this crucial time when skills are vital to delivering the government’s missions for growth and opportunity.

“The further education sector plays a critical role in transforming lives and driving economic growth. Looking ahead, it is well-placed to tackle persistent skills challenges, deliver equitable access to quality education, and re-engage those not in education, employment, or training (NEET). By adapting, innovating, and aligning provision with future labour market needs, the sector has a vital role in equipping learners with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. 

“I look forward to working with colleges across England to ensure they are in the strongest possible position to change people’s lives for the better and meet the needs of employers and communities.”

Thinnesen has held several roles alongside her FE college leadership, including as a member of North East Combined Authority’s Business Board and joined the board of housing association Gentoo Group as a non-executive member in 2023. 

She is also already one of the FE Commissioner’s national leaders of further education and was named an OBE in the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours list.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I am delighted to appoint Ellen to the vital role of FE Commissioner. Her experience of driving improvement will be invaluable as we work to ensure the FE sector creates the skills our economy and communities need to thrive.

“I would like to thank Shelagh Legrave for her work in the role over the last three years and I wish her all the best for the future.”

The FE Commissioner role was introduced in 2013 as a key adviser to ministers in the Department for Education. The commissioner intervenes in struggling colleges, where visits turn into published reports which assess quality and financial health, as well as the existing governance and leadership.

The post has since evolved to also provide a range of support functions for college leaders, such as independent curriculum efficiency reviews, financial health checks and mentoring for up-and-coming principals.

Its inaugural post holder was David Collins, who was replaced by ex-Exeter College boss Richard Atkins in 2016.

Thinnesen will be the first FE Commissioner to hail from a northern college.

The FE Commissioner leads a team of almost 20 deputy FE commissioners and FE advisers, made up mainly of current and former college principals or deputy principals and directors of finance.

The four-day week role was advertised back in February with a £140,000 salary. It is a three-year term.

Results of LSIPs shake-up revealed

The government has shaken up the specified areas in England that are covered by a local skills improvement plan (LSIP).

In June DfE confirmed that it was making up to £6.3 million available for employer representative bodies (ERBs) to develop fresh versions of the plans between October and next summer.

The Department for Education (DfE) also reviewed the locations covered by an LSIP following the introduction of “strategic authorities” and their boundaries as outlined in the government’s devolution white paper.

Nine LSIP areas will see a change, including extra plans in the West Midlands and the South West and two North East plans merging. 

This means the number of areas covered by an LSIP will increase from 38 to 39.

A small number of LSIPs have also changed hands, with oversight of the development of the plans shifting to different ERBs (see changes below and here).

LSIPs were first introduced in the 2021 FE white paper. They require local employers, education providers and other stakeholders to collaboratively identify and resolve skills needs. Colleges and training providers are supposed to tailor their provision to skills priorities identified in the plans.

The first LSIPs launched in 2022, backed with £20.9 million dished out to ERBs over three years to develop, implement and review the plans.

Each of the 39 refreshed LSIP areas and their ERBs will receive roughly £160,000 to redesign the plans over the next year.

The changes revealed today include merging North East LSIP and North and Tyne LSIP, with the new single LSIP’s boundaries matching those of the North East Combined Authority. North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) Limited has been chosen as the ERB for the merged LSIP.

In the North West, the name of the Cheshire and Warrington ERB has changed from South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry to the South and North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

Meanwhile, the East Midlands’ previously known LSIP area of Derbyshire and Nottingham has changed its name to “East Midlands”, with the Leicester and Leicestershire area also changing its name slightly to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. There have been no ERB changes in these areas.

The West Midlands has had Warwickshire added as a new LSIP specified area, with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce appointed as the ERB. 

In the East, officials have changed the LSIP area name of Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock to Greater Essex with no ERB change.

The South East has retained the same number of LSIP areas, but “Enterprise M3 LEP (including all of Surrey)” is now known as “Surrey”, while “Solent” changes to Hampshire and Solent. No ERB changes have been made.

Meanwhile, the Heart of the South West LSIP area has been split into two LSIPs: Greater Devon (Plymouth, Devon and Torbay) and Somerset.

The ERB for Somerset is the Business West Chambers of Commerce, and the Greater Devon ERB is the Devon Chamber of Commerce.

No changes have been made to Greater London or Yorkshire and the Humber.

All existing LSIPs will remain valid until replacement plans are published in summer 2026, the DfE said.

And where an LSIP specified area has changed, the “designated ERB will remain designated to lead the implementation and review of the existing LSIP, including in relation to the area no longer covered by the new LSIP being developed, until a new LSIP covering the area is published”.

During this “transition period”, in some parts of the country there will be two designated ERBs covering parts of the same LSIP geography.

“From October 2025 to summer 2026, the designated ERBs will therefore be developing new LSIPs whilst continuing to implement and review the existing LSIPs,” the DfE added.

[UPDATE: Shortly after this article was published the DfE updated the LSIPs webpage to confirm the Great Devon ERB has been appointed and will be led by Devon Chamber of Commerce]

Click image below to enlarge table

‘Bleak existence’ at London young offender institute

The chief prisons inspector has warned of a “bleak existence” for boys at a young offender institute in West London due to poor education attendance, high levels of violence and staff shortages.

Young Offender Institute Feltham A, which houses up to 140 children and young men aged between 15 and 18 years old, was found to be “poor” at ensuring purposeful activity during an unannounced inspection between May and June this year.

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor reports “frustration” among both staff and boys at short notice cancellations to lessons and other activities, with a “completely unacceptable” four hours planned outside of cells each day.

He wrote: “Those on the enhanced units could be expected to be out for much longer, but others described a bleak existence with many hours spent watching daytime television in enforced idleness.”

The institute’s levels of violence are the highest of any prison in England – with 253 assaults on children in the last 12 months – contributing to “unpredictable” staffing levels with sickness rates “among the highest” in the country, the inspection found.

Taylor said inspectors have “cautious optimism” that the institute will improve, a year after he warned of significantly deteriorating levels of self-harm and violence and five months after interim governor Gary Sillifant was appointed.

Although Ofsted, which also attended the inspection, was “positive” about the quality of some of the teaching, their overall grade remains ‘inadequate’ due to poor behaviour and leadership and management of the education service.

Attendance was “very poor” at a rate which would “never have been acceptable” at school or college, said the chief inspector.

Missing out on learning

Last year, Ofsted’s chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said England’s prison service is failing children held in England’s four young offender institutes.

The education inspectorate’s report found that “severe” staff shortages mean 15- to 18-year-olds are spending only 10 to 13 hours in education each week, in breach of their legal right to at least 15 hours.

Data collected by the Howard League for Penal Reform shows that between January 2024 and February this year, average education at Feltham plummeted to a low of 1.5 hours per week last August, with a high of just 12.1 hours.

A spokesperson for the Prison Education Trust said: “Staff shortages, and broader challenges like overcrowding, have a significant impact on the delivery of education.

“The government must address these and put right the severe underfunding of education across the estate to give children – and adults – the opportunity to gain the skills they need to thrive on release.”

What is Feltham?

Feltham A is one of three young offender institutions in England, holding about a quarter of the approximately 400 under-18s held in custody in England and Wales.

It was founded in 1910 as the second of England’s infamous “Borstal” institutions.

Despite a rebuild, completed in 1988, that reinvented the site as a collection of small triangular housing units in the 1980s, it has continued to hold a fearsome reputation and has frequently been highlighted as a concern by inspectors.

The closure of the fourth young institute Cookham Wood, in May last year, caused Feltham’s population to surge by 50 per cent, contributing to a “vicious cycle” of violence, the inspectorate found in a follow up visit last year.

‘Priority Concerns’

One of the “priority concerns” for inspectors is the failure to provide education to children in custody which “significantly limited their chances of finding work and making a positive contribution to the community” on release.

Managers are also failing to provide sufficient vocational training or provide basic reading support or access to the library, which is “well-run”.

Ofsted found that most children only received half their allotted minimum of 18 hours per week in lessons for reasons “outside” of their control.

A third of planned attendances did not take place at all, often because escorts to lessons were “disrupted”.

However, managers at The Shaw Trust, which delivers the education and vocational training, planned teaching “purposefully”, supplied “well-qualified and experienced” teachers and built the knowledge and skills of the “small number of children attending regularly”.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Feltham’s most recent report shows some promising signs in relation to the education provided, but conditions for the children living there remain of deep concern.

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have for changing lives, offering stability and unlocking opportunities.

“For children in custody, it must be at the heart of rehabilitation, giving them a real chance to rebuild their lives and promote a future away from reoffending.”

Andrea Coomber, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, added: “High rates of use of force, scant education, and regimes compromised by chronic staff sickness that leave children trapped routinely inside their cells for 20 hours per day. 

“This is the toxic backdrop against which we should analyse the terrible levels of violence inside Feltham and the short-sighted decision to introduce PAVA, a pain-inducing chemical irritant spray that is classified as a prohibited weapon under the Firearms Act 1968.”

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We are pleased this report recognises signs of improvement under new leadership, with Ofsted positive about the quality of teaching, but we know there is more to do.

“That’s why we’ve put in place new measures aimed at reducing violence and substance misuse, while also bolstering the education on offer to support rehabilitation.”

A spokesperson at the Shaw Trust said they were unable to comment. 

Spotlight on excellence: Nominations now open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026

Nominations are officially open for the Apprenticeship & Training Awards 2026, the UK’s national celebration of excellence in apprenticeships and training.

After receiving more than 700 nominations in 2025, this year promises to be another record-breaking showcase of the employers, providers, and individuals who are transforming opportunities for learners and driving innovation across the skills sector.

These prestigious awards highlight the very best in the country – organisations who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding training, create pathways into successful careers, and champion apprenticeships and workforce development.

Gala dinner 2025
Gala Dinner and National Ceremony 2025

Recognising the best of the best

The Apprenticeship & Training Awards shine a spotlight on the organisations and individuals setting the benchmark for excellence. Categories span across the sector, from employer commitment and provider innovation to diversity and inclusion, partnerships, and outstanding contribution.

In 2025, winners ranged from household names like Greene King and Amazon, to education providers such as South Essex Colleges Group, CATCH, and EMTEC Automotive Apprenticeships. Inspirational individuals including Jane Hadfield (NHS England/Health Education England) and Gary Laybourne (Coach Core Foundation) also took home national recognition.

From Parliament to the national ceremony

Reaching the finalist stage alone is a major achievement, offering unparalleled national recognition. In February 2026, all shortlisted finalists will be invited to a special Parliamentary reception hosted by Baroness Nicky Morgan in the House of Lords.

Skills minister Jacqui Smith speaking at the 2025 Parliamentary reception

This exclusive gathering, held in the historic surroundings of Westminster, provides finalists with the opportunity to network with sector leaders, policymakers, and MPs while celebrating their success on a national stage.

The celebrations then culminate in March with the legendary Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, held during the Apprenticeships & Training Conference (ATC) in Liverpool. Known as one of the most prestigious nights of the sector calendar, the Gala is an unmissable occasion – bringing together over 700 attendees from across apprenticeships and training for an evening of recognition, entertainment, and celebration.

Why Enter?

Winning, or even being shortlisted, at the Apprenticeship & Training Awards delivers significant benefits:

  • National recognition: Finalists and winners are profiled in FE Week, celebrated at Parliament, and honoured at the Gala Dinner.
  • Enhanced reputation: Success at the awards validates your work, strengthens your credibility, and reinforces your position as a leader in apprenticeships and training.
  • Staff and learner pride: Recognition boosts morale, celebrates team efforts, and highlights the life-changing impact of apprenticeships and training on individuals and communities.
  • Networking opportunities: The awards connect you with employers, providers, policymakers, and peers who share your passion for skills and workforce development.
Gary Laybourne, CEO of Coach Core Foundation, winner outstanding contribution to apprenticeships and training 2025, and ATAs Judge Sharon Blyfield MBE.

Founded in 2017 by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), the Apprenticeship & Training Awards have grown to become the national benchmark of excellence in the sector.

Delivered as a core part of the Apprenticeships & Training Conference, the awards are embedded in the UK’s largest gathering of apprenticeship and training professionals. Over nearly a decade, the conference and awards have created a platform to share innovation, celebrate achievement, and influence the national skills agenda.

How to nominate

Submitting a nomination is straightforward and free:

  1. Choose your category – Review the full list of awards and decide where your work, organisation, or partnership shines brightest.
  2. Prepare your evidence – Demonstrate the outcomes, innovation, and impact that make your entry stand out.
  3. Submit online – Nominations are now open via the official website.

Nominations will close on Friday 7 November with national finalists announced in December.

Be part of the celebration

With more than 700 nominations received last year, the Apprenticeship & Training Awards continue to go from strength to strength. The stories shared through these awards not only celebrate success, but also inspire the wider sector to strive for even greater impact.

Don’t miss your chance to join this prestigious line-up. Whether you are a pioneering employer, an innovative training provider, or an individual who has gone above and beyond, now is the time to put your achievements forward.

Submit your nomination today and take your place in the national celebration of apprenticeships and training.

For more information visit: apprenticeshipandtrainingawards.com

From playtime to party time: Nursery revels in ‘milestone’ Ofsted result

An Essex-based nursery group is celebrating a perfect sweep of Ofsted judgments.

Seymour House’s apprenticeship academy received ‘outstanding’ grades across the board in a report published today following its first full inspection.

The employer began directly training its own staff in February 2023. It had 47 apprentices on the level 3 early years educators standard working across 10 nurseries in Essex and one in Hertfordshire at the time of Ofsted’s visit in July.

Inspectors lauded the “highly positive attitudes” of apprentices who “take pride in their work”, show “exemplary” personal and professional behaviour and have high attendance to teaching sessions.

Apprentices also “quickly become important members of their workplace teams” and develop “valuable knowledge and skills and strategies to help them work inclusively with children and families in their settings”.

Seymour House’s leaders were praised for having “high expectations” and “ambitions” for apprentices. Bosses ensure that their apprentices are “nurtured and receive a high-quality training experience that is designed around the needs of their specific early years settings”.

This is reflected in “high” achievement rates.

Emma Price, head of apprenticeships at Seymour House, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to achieve outstanding across the board in our first Ofsted inspection. 

“Our apprentices work incredibly hard and are truly passionate about giving children the best start in life. This result reflects their dedication, as well as the wonderful support provided by our tutors, assessors and nursery teams.”

Ofsted praised Seymour’s “wide range” of enrichment opportunities, which apprentices “relish”, such as exploring healthy eating with specialist caterers, visiting forest school settings and supporting local charities.

Leaders were lauded for ensuring that staff are “knowledgeable and experienced”, while expert tutors use a “wide range of teaching strategies very effectively to make lessons interesting and informative”.

The strategic board also have an “excellent understanding of the strengths and areas for improvement of the provider” and give “effective challenge” to leaders.

A Seymour House spokesperson said this was a “milestone” moment for the nursery. Price added: “We’re proud to offer a programme that inspires and develops aspiring early years educators, and we’re delighted that Ofsted has recognised the positive impact this is having.”