Devon County Council Leader Julian Brazil has congratulated the University of Exeter for gaining an “exceptional” rating from Ofsted for its Degree Apprenticeships programme.
The University is the first skills provider in England to score so highly under Ofsted’s revised system. It achieved the highest grade for its Leadership and Governance, Achievement, and Participation and Development.
The University of Exeter and Devon County Council work together as partners through their Devon County Civic University Agreement.
The shared ambition through the agreement is to generate benefits for people and businesses across the county, with two of the main areas of focus being thriving futures for young people, and innovation and skills for a sustainable future.
Councillor Julian Brazil said Ofsted’s praise for the University highlights the importance of the collaboration between the University and County Council.
Councillor Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council, said:
“All credit to the University of Exeter for such an incredible achievement. It’s a ringing endorsement of the quality of work that the University is offering.
The County Council and the University have a shared ambition to do the best for our young people and children and give them the best start and best possible future.
The University’s Degree Apprenticeships provides incredible opportunities for young people across Devon – and for employers who need a skilled workforce.
We’ve been clear that young people in Devon are the priority for our administration. Through our Civic University Agreement we are ensuring there are pathways for young people into the world of work to make sure that young people can have successful careers in Devon.”
Ofsted hailed the “transformational” impact that Exeter’s Degree Apprenticeships are having upon apprentices and their employers, praising the way it has broken down barriers to learning, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University, said:
This achievement – the first of its kind in the country – is shared with the employers who work alongside us every day to create transformative learning experiences and exceptional opportunities for our apprentices. Together, we are creating programmes that meet real workforce needs, support professional development, and enable apprentices to thrive in their roles and careers.”
The University of Exeter has taught Degree Apprenticeships for a decade and currently has 4,200 students enrolled. It has 22 programmes covering key strategic areas such as Digital and Data, Engineering and Mining, Healthcare, and Accounting and Finance, and ranges from Level 4 (Higher National Certificate/Certificate of Higher Education) to Level 7 (Master’s).