Month: September 2025

Straight A Training has been graded Good overall in their recent Ofsted Inspection. Here is some more information:

“We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection, where Straight A Training has been graded GOOD overall, with an OUTSTANDING grade for behaviour and attitudes. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our apprentices, staff, and employer partners.

Inspectors were full of praise for the positive impact our apprentices are making. They recognised that apprentices “show excellent attitudes to learning and work, with high levels of motivation and resilience.” They also noted how confidently learners apply new skills in the workplace, delivering real value to their employers. Our apprentices were commended for their progression into new responsibilities, promotions, and further learning, which is clear evidence of the effectiveness of our high-quality training.

The report also highlighted the strength of our partnerships with employers, who benefit from the knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm apprentices bring to their organisations. The quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and apprenticeships provision were judged to be consistently good, while behaviour and attitudes were recognised as outstanding.

This result reflects the dedication of our team, the determination of our apprentices, and the trust of our employer partners. Together, we are proud to be creating life-changing opportunities and shaping the workforce of the future.”

Congratulations to long-standing members Weir Training on their recent Outstanding Ofsted rating. Here is a reaction to this amazing achievement from Weir Director, Julie Ridley.

“We are incredibly proud that Weir Training has once again been rated Outstanding across all areas by Ofsted. To secure this judgement 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.

This result reflects our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional teaching, learning and support that truly transforms lives and gives Apprentices the skills and confidence to thrive.

The inspection process was unusual; we received two Inspection visits. The initial visit in May 2025 was confirmed as ‘incomplete with unsecure judgements’.

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.

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.”

Julie Ridley – Director