Educationwise celebrates two Strong standard judgements in latest Ofsted inspection

Ofsted has published Educationwise’s latest inspection report, with inspectors awarding Strong standard judgements in Inclusion and Apprenticeship Curriculum and Teaching, alongside Safeguarding standards met. 

Under Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework, providers no longer receive one overall effectiveness grade. Instead, different areas are judged separately, giving a more detailed picture of what is working well and where further improvement is needed. 

Inspection highlights 

Strong standard – Inclusion
Strong standard – Apprenticeship Curriculum and Teaching
Expected standard – Leadership and Governance
Expected standard – Apprenticeship Achievement
Expected standard – Apprenticeship Participation and Development
Expected standard – Adult Learning Curriculum and Teaching (Advanced Learner Loans provision)
Safeguarding standards met 

A culture that is fully inclusive 

One of the strongest findings in the report was the recognition of Educationwise’s approach to inclusion. 

“Leaders have embedded a culture that is fully inclusive.” – Ofsted, 2026 

Inspectors recognised the way barriers to learning are identified, support is planned around individual needs and that support is reviewed to make sure it continues to have an impact. 

The report also describes tutors as “caring and highly empathetic” and highlights the support provided to apprentices and adult learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities. 

The experience of learners themselves was also recognised: 

“Apprentices and adult learners enjoy their studies.” 

Strong apprenticeship curriculum and teaching 

Educationwise’s Apprenticeship Curriculum and Teaching was judged Strong standard. 

The report highlights the quality of apprenticeship planning, the professional experience of tutors and the close connection between learning and apprentices’ roles in the workplace. 

Ofsted said: 

“Leaders ensure that the training that apprentices receive is planned very well.” 

and: 

“Tutors are industry specialists with extensive professional experience of the subjects they teach.” 

Inspectors also recognised how Educationwise works closely with employers to align curriculum content with apprentices’ job roles and current industry practice. 

Most importantly, the report identifies the impact this has on apprentices: 

“Apprentices typically develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to do well at work.” 

Inspectors also found that tutors “prepare apprentices very well for their next steps.” 

Experienced governance and effective challenge 

Leadership and Governance was judged Expected standard, with inspectors recognising the knowledge and experience of Educationwise’s Board. 

“Governors are knowledgeable and experienced in further education.” 

The report also highlights how governors challenge leaders to evidence the impact of their actions and provide support to make wider improvements across the organisation. 

Improvement that was already underway 

The report also identifies clear priorities for further improvement. 

Importantly, these were not areas that came as a surprise. Inspectors recognised that leaders have “a thorough understanding of the provider’s strengths and weaknesses” and “take decisive action to bring about improvements.” 

This aligns with our own self-assessment, Quality Improvement Plan and risk-management processes, through which we identify areas for improvement, track action and maintain oversight of progress. 

Within our Adult Learning provision – which for Educationwise refers specifically to our Advanced Learner Loans provision and does not include apprentices aged 19 or over – Achievement and Participation and Development were judged Needs attention. 

The report also recognises that actions already taken have consistently improved the proportion of adult learners achieving their qualification and that leaders have acted decisively to improve the quality of teaching. 

Our priorities within Adult Learning include continuing to improve achievement, attendance and learners’ understanding of how to keep themselves safe. Within apprenticeships, we will continue our work to reduce early leavers and increase participation in wider learning and opportunities to contribute to communities. 

These priorities were already identified through our own self-assessment and improvement work and are built into our 2026/27 Quality Improvement Plan. Progress will continue to be closely monitored throughout the year. 

Proud of the result. Focused on what comes next. 

Judith Allen, Chief Executive Officer at Educationwise, said: 

“There is a huge amount in this report for us to be proud of. It reflects the hard work of our staff, learners, employers and partners, but it also gives us a clear focus for what comes next. We know where our strengths are, we understand where we need to keep improving and we will continue to build on the progress already made.” 

For Educationwise, the inspection provides independent recognition of the quality of our apprenticeship curriculum, our inclusive culture and the people who support learners every day. 

It also reflects an approach that sits at the heart of Educationwise: recognising what is working well while continuing to challenge ourselves to improve. 

Strong standards. Real impact. Always improving.