Marshall Skills Academy has maintained its overall effectiveness rating of ‘Good’ by education watchdog Ofsted, following a recent inspection visit.
The Academy was rated ‘Good’ in the main areas of quality of education, apprenticeships, personal development, and leadership and management.
Ofsted also deemed the behaviour and attitudes at the Academy as ‘Outstanding’ after a three-day tour inspection in March.
Inspectors noted the Academy’s highly effective teaching curriculum, remarking how its apprentices had the opportunity to secure specialist knowledge and become highly skilled professionals.
“Leaders and managers have designed a curriculum that is highly valued globally by the aviation industry,” the report said.
“[They] have secured contracts with major defence departments and airline companies. This provides apprentices with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aircraft technology, ensuring that they gain highly sought-after knowledge and skills.”
Ofsted was particularly impressed by the culture of continuous self-improvement among the learners at the Academy.
“Apprentices are very proud and passionate about the standard of their work,” the report said. “They demonstrate exceptional professional behaviours. In every element of their work apprentices complete, they demand perfection. This helps them develop the high standards expected of them at work.”
Marshall Skills Academy also received praise for how well the apprentices worked collaboratively in teams.
“Apprentices demonstrate excellent teamwork practices,” the report said. “They readily take on additional responsibilities to help the team complete tasks in a timely manner. Apprentices are proactive and eager to contribute their ideas to the team. As a result, they become highly valued team members.”
In addition, Ofsted recognised the trainers for sharing their specialist knowledge and teaching resources effectively.
The report said: “Apprentices benefit from a good range of specialised industry-relevant training at their workplace. For example, they complete confined space training and mobile elevated working platform training. This enables them to develop the specifically required industry-standard skills quickly and confidently.”
Inspectors also noted that apprentices benefited from a highly inclusive workplace. “They have mutually respectful relationships with their managers, supervisors, trainers and peers. Apprentices have a good understanding of equality and diversity and how to treat people with respect,” the report said.
After Ofsted shared its findings, Dan Edwards, General Manager of Marshall Skills Academy, said:
“I’m extremely proud of all the team. The last two years with Covid-19 restrictions have been extremely tough for both the learners and the employees of Marshall Skills Academy, and the result we have received from Ofsted is a testament to how brilliant they all are.”
Simon Webster, Apprentice Manager of Marshall Skills Academy, added:
“The outcome highlights the high level of delivery at Marshall Skills Academy and the hard work and dedication shown by our apprentices. This rating gives us an incredibly strong base to build on now, and in the coming years. It also reinforces our safeguarding and additional support for apprentices is effective.’’
Responding to the outcome of the inspection, Kate Ward, Head of Emerging Talent, said:
“I’m so proud that we are able to showcase the hard work of the Marshall Skills Academy and the effort the apprentices put in. The feedback from Ofsted has really given us a great start to the year, and we are excited to keep growing and improving to be the best apprenticeship training provider for aviation and engineering apprenticeships in the UK and beyond.”