The University of Exeter has achieved an unprecedented three 'Exceptional' ratings from Ofsted following a review of its Degree Apprenticeships programme.
Exeter was awarded the highest grade in respect of its Leadership and Governance, Achievement, and Participation and Development to become the first skills provider in England to score so highly under Ofsted's revised system.
Ofsted hailed the "transformational" impact that Exeter's Degree Apprenticeships are having upon apprentices and their employers, praising the way it has broken down barriers to learning, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Its provision of a broad range of skills development opportunities, and the impact that apprenticeship projects are having on employers' efficiencies and costs, also received the highest of scores.
It achieved 'Strong' ratings in two other categories, namely Curriculum and teaching, and Inclusion.
"This outstanding recognition by Ofsted is particularly meaningful because it reflects not only the strength of our educational provision, but also our commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of employers," said Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University.
"And this achievement - the first of its kind in the country - is shared with the employers who work alongside us every day to create transformative learning experiences and exceptional opportunities for our apprentices. Together, we are creating programmes that meet real workforce needs, support professional development, and enable apprentices to thrive in their roles and careers."
The University has taught Degree Apprenticeships for a decade and boasts the largest portfolio of any Russell Group member. Its 22 programmes cover key strategic areas such as Digital and Data, Engineering and Mining, Healthcare, and Accounting & Finance, and range from Level 4 (Higher National Certificate/Certificate of Higher Education) to Level 7 (Master's).
Around 4,200 students are currently enrolled, with the support of more than 500 partner organisations, including JP Morgan, Amazon, BT and IBM.
Ofsted visited the University in May, interviewing leaders, teaching staff, apprentices, employers and professional bodies as part of its full inspection.
In its report, published today, Ofsted said Exeter had "reshaped" its apprenticeship delivery, removing barriers before students encountered them. As a result, it concluded, "apprentices benefit from highly inclusive and frequently transformational educational experiences".
The inspectors found professional learning to be "strategically aligned, informed by research and intellectually ambitious", and progress made by apprentices was "exceptional", including those who start from disadvantaged positions. The report added that apprentices often made a substantial impact for their employers, "transforming local, national and international operations".
"Our approach is built around collaboration," said Professor Rachael Johnstone, Dean for Professional Education and Partnerships, and Director of the Centre for Degree Partnerships. "We work closely with organisations to develop talent, address skills challenges and create learning experiences that have a measurable impact on both individual careers and organisational performance. This inspection outcome reinforces our reputation as a trusted partner for workforce development and highlights the value of the relationships we build with employers across a wide range of sectors."
It is the second full Ofsted assessment of Exeter's Degree Apprenticeships. In 2022, it became the first in the Russell Group to be reviewed, when it received a 'Good' rating under the old format.
According to Ofsted, an Exceptional rating is reserved for practice that is among the very best nationally, and which should be shared with other schools or providers to help them improve.
