Ofsted has rated Kaplan’s apprenticeship provision “good” for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. In addition, their apprenticeship provision was graded “outstanding” for apprentices’ personal development.
The Ofsted review covered over 8,000 apprentices studying accountancy and tax, financial services and data and technology from levels 2 to 7. Kaplan also provides a wide range of other courses across the UK.
Kaplan's CEO Kathy Walton, said: “We are extremely proud of this result and gratified that it reflects Kaplan’s strong commitment to placing learners at the forefront of our apprenticeship provision. It is also a testament to the excellent and close collaboration we have with our fantastic employers who understand the power of apprenticeships and support their apprentices.”
Recognising the positive impact Kaplan’s apprenticeship provision has on apprentices’ lives, their employers and ultimately the economy, the report notes:
“Apprentices and employers value the knowledge and skills apprentices learn. They recognise how this helps them to prepare for work and contribute to their organisations.”
Stacey Fitzsimmons, Kaplan's Chief Operating Officer, said: “A focus on the recommendations in Ofsted’s 2022 report combined with significant investment in our talent coaches and tutors, with support from colleagues in every function and at every level have contributed to this impressive outcome. Their expertise, dedication and care have created a sector-leading apprenticeship offer. We are delighted for them, our apprentices and employers.” The report noted:
“Talent coaches work with employers to embed on and off the job training.”
“Tutors use teaching strategies effectively in well-organised sessions to help apprentices learn substantial new knowledge and skills.”
“Apprentices value their learning experience.”
“Talent coaches help learners prepare well for the End Point Assessment.”
“Tutors and talent coaches help improve outcomes for learners.”
Stacey said it was particularly pleasing that in their report, Ofsted recognised the positive experiences of apprentices and that Kaplan was rated as outstanding for apprentices’ personal development .” The report stated:
“Apprentices have access to additional learning experiences that develop their broader skills successfully.”
“Because of these [additional learning] experiences, apprentices develop confidence in their abilities to succeed.”
“Apprentices become credible and competent professionals.”
The Ofsted review also found that Kaplan had a “logically ordered curriculum”, ” calm and comfortable learning environment” and that leaders and managers have a “clear and ambitious vision”.
In a survey of Kaplan’s apprentices commissioned earlier this year, 99% of those successfully completing their apprenticeship with Kaplan had a positive destination: 90.8% were in paid employment or self-employed and 8.1% had gone on to a higher level apprenticeship or higher education.