19/05/2026
We’re proud to share a major milestone for Sutton Coldfield Training 🎉
Following our recent Ofsted inspection, we are delighted to announce that we have achieved ‘expected standards’ across the board.
While the phrase “expected standard” may sound modest, in Further Education it represents a significant and rigorous benchmark. It reflects the consistent delivery of high-quality education, strong learner progress and outcomes, and effective leadership and governance. As Ofsted outlines, this means meeting the full range of professional and statutory expectations — something that requires sustained commitment, teamwork, and focus, and which we are incredibly proud to have achieved.
The report recognises many of the things we value most. Inspectors highlighted that “staff are caring and attentive to the needs of learners” and that learners receive the support they need to overcome barriers and succeed.
For our apprentices, inspectors recognised that they “gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen careers” and often progress to “positive destinations” with increased responsibility in the workplace.
Since becoming a Direct Provider in 2023, independently delivering apprenticeships and adult learning across England, we’ve truly come into our own. This transition has enabled us to shape provision with purpose — working closely with employers to deliver curricula that align with workforce needs and support learners to thrive.
This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support from our learners and employer partners throughout the inspection. The report recognises that learners and apprentices are “well cared for” and benefit from “support [that] is well informed and effective,” something we are immensely proud of and grateful to all who contribute to.
To our entire SCT team — this is your success. Your commitment, professionalism, and care have created a culture where both learners and staff feel supported.
We are proud of what we’ve achieved together — and even more excited about the impact we will continue to make for learners, employers, and our communities.
If you would like to read our full report, it is now published on the Ofsted website — simply scan our QR code to access.
