The inspection found the University's apprenticeship provision to be operating at a “strong standard”, recognising areas where practice goes beyond the level typically expected.
It also highlighted the strength of the University’s curriculum design, teaching and employer partnerships, as well as the professional behaviours demonstrated by apprentices in the workplace.
The inspection took place under Ofsted’s updated inspection framework introduced last year. The new approach replaces the previous single-word grades with a five-point scale and more detailed evaluations across key areas of provision.
Under this framework, the University received “strong standard” judgements for curriculum and teaching and for participation and development, recognising practice that consistently and persistently goes beyond the expected level. The remaining areas – leadership and governance, achievement and inclusion – were judged to meet the expected standard.
Inspectors noted that programmes are closely aligned to regional and national workforce priorities, particularly in policing, paramedic science and nursing, helping to support the development of skilled professionals in critical public service roles.
The report states: “Leaders closely align the curriculum to local and regional priorities and employers’ needs. For example, their curriculums for policing, paramedic and nursing directly support public sector workforce plans.”
Ofsted also highlighted the professional standards demonstrated by apprentices during their studies and in the workplace, noting that they develop confidence and the behaviours required for their chosen professions.
University of Staffordshire has grown its apprenticeship provision significantly over the past decade and is now among the five largest apprenticeship providers in the UK. Since 2015, more than 6,300 apprentices have studied with the University, working in partnership with 499 employers across public and private sectors.
Apprenticeships span sectors including healthcare, policing, digital technologies, engineering and professional services, enabling learners to gain university qualifications while remaining in paid employment.
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “This report recognises the strength and maturity of our apprenticeship provision and the impact it has for both learners and employers. Apprenticeships are central to our mission as a civic university and to our role in supporting regional and national workforce needs.
“We are proud to work with hundreds of employers to develop programmes that combine academic rigour with real-world application. The outcome of this inspection reflects the dedication of our staff, the ambition of our apprentices and the strength of our partnerships.”
Professor Raheel Nawaz, Pro Vice-Chancellor, said: “Higher and degree apprenticeships play an increasingly important role in the UK’s skills system. They enable people to gain a full university qualification while developing their careers in the workplace.
“This inspection outcome highlights the quality of the learning experience our apprentices receive and the close collaboration we maintain with employers to ensure programmes remain relevant, challenging and aligned to workforce demand. We are particularly proud of colleagues from across the university who have helped create an outstanding environment for enabling apprentice success.”
Associate Professor Clare Saunders, Executive Director of Curriculum and Academic Affairs and Ofsted lead, added: “We are delighted that inspectors recognised the quality of teaching and the professional behaviours our apprentices develop throughout their programmes.
“This reflects the expertise and commitment of staff across the University in providing coordinated support for all aspects of our apprentices’ learning journey, enabling them to flourish and succeed in their studies and the workplace.”
Read the full report here or to find out more about apprenticeships at University of Staffordshire, visit staffs.ac.uk/apprenticeships.