High rate of 'distinction grades' on University of Leeds apprenticeship scheme - Ofsted report
‘A very high proportion of apprentices achieve their qualifications’
Ofsted inspectors have praised the high number of “distinction grades” on an apprenticeship scheme at the University of Leeds.
The University of Leeds scored a ‘Strong standard rating in the area achievement, plus an ‘Expected standard’ rating in the areas of inclusion, leadership and governance and curriculum and teaching, during a visit by inspectors on June 23.
In a mixed inspection, the scheme also received a ‘Needs attention’ rating in the category of participation and development.
While the education watchdog doesn’t usually inspect universities and other higher education institutions, the University of Leeds began running levy-funded apprenticeship courses in 2017, meaning it must be inspected by the schools regulator.
Inspectors said: “A very high proportion of apprentices achieve their qualifications, many of them with distinction grades. Apprentices make extensive progress from their starting points. They successfully apply the significant knowledge, skills and behaviours they develop on their apprenticeship in the workplace.
“Apprentices develop the English, mathematical and digital skills that they need to study the curriculum successfully. They produce a high standard of written and practical work. For example, geotechnical engineering apprentices write highly professional reports, using the technical language of their sector fluently.”
The university’s overall achievement rate of 86 per cent is substantially above the national average of 65 per cent, according to the report. 100 per cent of apprentices who reached the end of their programme passed their apprenticeship.
Leaders promptly identify most strengths and areas for improvement and usually take effective action to tackle the latter, while Governors provide effective support and challenge for the apprenticeship team.
Academic staff design curriculums expertly, blending the knowledge, skills and behaviours that apprentices need at work with the academic skills needed for effective study.
Apprentices behave “professionally and collaborate well” with their peers but attendance is described as “too low.”
Focusing on areas of further improvement, inspectors added: “Leaders should identify and implement actions to improve apprentices' attendance so that it is high on all apprenticeships. They should ensure that apprentices on all apprenticeships develop an appropriate understanding of how to protect themselves from radical and extremist views.
“Leaders should systematically review and adapt any support offered in a way that makes a significant difference to apprentices' learning and wellbeing.”
Apprentices on the course develop substantial new knowledge and skills that employers value highly, according to the report. For example, geotechnical engineering apprentices learn when and how to use alpha and beta methods in piling engineering.
In most instances, leaders and staff identify apprentices' learning, wellbeing and additional support needs early in the apprenticeship and ensure that apprentices receive well co-ordinated support from a range of university services, personal tutors and external partners.
Staff typically use a well-structured, responsive approach to reviewing apprentices' needs and adapting support over time. They provide support that is proportionate to apprentices' changing circumstances, while maintaining high expectations of apprentices' progress and achievement.
A University of Leeds spokesperson said: “We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strong achievements of our apprentices and the quality and ambition of the education they receive at Leeds.
“We are particularly pleased that inspectors recognised the expertise of our academic staff, our high-quality learning environments and the benefits apprentices gain from cutting-edge research, industry expertise and close collaboration with employers.
“Ofsted found that apprentices develop substantial knowledge and skills that are highly valued by employers, while safeguarding standards are met and apprentices learn in supportive, welcoming and inclusive environments.
“We are committed to providing an outstanding experience for every apprentice. Work is underway to address the areas identified by inspectors for further improvement as we continue to strengthen our apprenticeship provision.”