Ofsted judges University apprenticeship provision as ‘Strong’

Following an inspection in June 2026, the University has been judged by Ofsted as ‘Strong’ in every area of its apprenticeship provision.

Inspectors found practice consistently above the expected standard, with safeguarding met and no areas for development.

Vice Chancellor, University of Wolverhampton, Ebrahim Adia said:

“This judgement is a strong endorsement of the quality, care and commitment that underpins our apprenticeship provision. We are proud to have been judged ‘Strong’ in every area, with safeguarding requirements met and no areas identified for development. That reflects the dedication of colleagues across the University, our close partnerships with employers, and, most importantly, our focus on ensuring apprentices receive the support, opportunities and real-world experience they need to succeed.

Apprenticeships play a vital role in developing the skilled workforce our region and our country need. From healthcare and local government to engineering, business and beyond, we are helping individuals build rewarding careers while supporting organisations to grow and thrive. This outcome gives us confidence that we are delivering high-quality provision that transforms lives, creates opportunity and makes a positive impact in our communities.”

Inspectors praised a highly inclusive culture across the University, with support carefully tailored to each apprentice. This includes diagnostic testing that has identified previously undiagnosed needs, such as hearing impairment or dyslexia, giving apprentices support they never had before.

Sean Starr, Apprenticeship and Lifelong Learning Lead at the University of Wolverhampton, said:

 "I could not be prouder of what our teams have built. Two years ago, we set ourselves a clear task to improve our apprenticeship provision. Every colleague, in every faculty, has worked for this. To be judged Strong in every area, with safeguarding met and nothing flagged for development, tells us we are getting it right for the people who matter most."

The University supports more than 1,000 apprentices across 17 standards, delivered through four schools. Almost half of the apprentices work in the NHS, with around a quarter in local government.

This latest recognition adds to a series of recent successes for the University. In 2026, students ranked the University among the UK’s top institutions for Teaching, Learning Opportunities and Assessment in the National Student Survey (NSS), placing it in the top 10% of higher education institutions for those measures. The University was also ranked in the Top 10 in the UK and No.1 in the West Midlands for University of the Year in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs), one of the sector’s largest student-led awards. In addition, the University achieved the highest possible QS Five-Star rating, recognising excellence across areas including teaching, facilities, global engagement, environmental impact and diversity, equity and inclusion.