The University of Sussex apprenticeship provision had an Ofsted monitoring inspection in March 2026, which reviewed our progress as a newly directly funded apprenticeship provider. This new provider monitoring visit (NPMV) is not a full inspection but it establishes how much progress the provider has made against the four themes of Leadership and governance, Inclusion, Curriculum, Teaching and training, and Safeguarding.
As a new provider we were pleased to be found to be making Reasonable progress in all areas and to receive the top rating of Significant progress for Curriculum, teaching & training - reflecting the expertise and commitment of teams across the University.
Overall outcomes
Leadership and governance
Inspectors recognised our clear and ambitious vision for apprenticeships and praised the way we have designed high quality, employer aligned curriculums in priority skills areas such as digital technologies, AI and engineering. They highlighted our strong quality assurance processes, the introduction of our new apprenticeships governance committee, and the successful implementation of our online management system.
Inclusion
The report commends the welcoming and inclusive culture we have created for apprentices. Inspectors noted the strength of our support services, including specialist study support, wellbeing provision, and tailored plans for apprentices with SEND or other additional needs. Our teams were recognised for their proactive approach to identifying and addressing individual learning needs.
Curriculum, teaching & training
Inspectors found that our curriculum design enables apprentices to develop leading edge knowledge and skills and to apply advanced knowledge and skills in real world contexts. They referred to our expert tutors, the quality of assessment and feedback and the high standard of apprentices work. Employers were noted as valuing the knowledge and skills apprentices apply in the workplace significantly improving business processes in their organisations.
Safeguarding
Inspectors confirmed that we have appropriate and effective safeguarding arrangements in place. They highlighted our comprehensive policies, well qualified safeguarding team, and the strong awareness apprentices have of how to seek support. Our work with external partners to understand local risks was also recognised.
What this means for us
This monitoring visit was not a full inspection, its purpose was to judge whether we are making sufficient progress as a new apprenticeship provider. The outcomes show that:
• Our foundations are strong
• Our curriculum is sector leading
• Our support for apprentices is impactful
• Our governance and safeguarding arrangements are effective
Most importantly, Ofsted found that our actions are already having a beneficial impact on apprentices and employers.
This is a significant achievement for a programme that only began delivering apprenticeships in 2024.
Thank you
Thank you to everyone involved in apprenticeship delivery, support, governance, and administration and those who made time at short notice to meet the inspectors. This outcome reflects your professionalism, your commitment to our learners, and your belief in the value of high quality, work based education.
We will continue to build on this strong foundation as we expand our apprenticeship offer and strengthen our role in meeting regional and national skills needs.