A London university has been awarded an \u2018outstanding\u2019 rating by Ofsted in its first full inspection.<\/p>\n
In the watchdog\u2019s report published\u00a0today, Queen Mary University of London received top marks across all areas after inspectors found the leaders worked \u201ceffectively\u201d with big-name employers to tailor its apprenticeships to meet skills needs and recruited students from under-represented groups.<\/p>\n
At the time of inspection, Queen Mary University of London had 436 apprentices studying standards from level 4 to level 7 in sectors such as digital, healthcare and financial services.<\/p>\n
Queen Mary University of London has been delivering degree apprenticeships since 2015, when it was one of the first higher education institutions to do so.<\/p>\n
Ofsted inspectors praised the Russell Group university for working \u201cvery effectively\u201d with prestigious organisations to tailor the content of its curriculum to meet skills gaps.<\/p>\n
Philippa Lloyd, Queen Mary\u2019s VP policy and strategic partnerships, said: \u201cWe are very proud of the employers we partner with on our degree apprenticeship programmes, including Goldman Sachs, Amazon, KPMG and PwC and the NHS.\u201d<\/p>\n
The watchdog also found the university designed its recruitment processes to ensure apprentices from under-represented groups and disadvantaged backgrounds have access to higher education.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result, some apprentices embark on careers that they did not think were open to them such as being senior economic advisers,\u201d the\u00a0report\u00a0said.<\/p>\n
Professor Colin Bailey, president and principal of Queen Mary University said he was pleased that Ofsted recognised the university\u2019s efforts to promote social mobility, diversity and inclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur vision at Queen Mary is to open the doors of opportunity to any student with the potential to succeed,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Bailey added:\u00a0 \u201cThis independent in-depth evaluation by the regulator demonstrates the excellent education that is delivered by our staff.\u201d<\/p>\n
Degree apprenticeship students were found to have \u201cexceptionally positive\u201d attitudes towards their studies, develop substantial new knowledge and skills and are fully included in the university community.<\/p>\n
Ofsted\u00a0also noted that leaders have made \u201csignificant investments\u201d into their apprenticeship provision and accountability and scrutiny at the highest level results in leaders responding \u201cswiftly\u201d to make improvements.<\/p>\n
Inspectors also praised the provider for delivering \u201cdemanding and ambitious teaching\u201d that challenges apprentices and for employing \u201chighly qualified\u201d tutors with extensive industry experience.<\/p>\n
The report said: \u201cTutors use their knowledge and experience to inspire apprentices. For example, they give expert guidance to digital and technology solutions professionals to help them evaluate software projects and develop holistic perspectives on software engineering.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stephanie Marshall, Queen Mary\u2019s VP education said: \u201cIt demonstrates the quality of our educators who teach our degree apprentices alongside our undergraduate and postgraduate degree students. I could not be more proud.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n