Ofsted inspected the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA) over 4 days, and the service was rated ‘good’ in 6 categories resulting in an overall ‘good’ rating. Inspectors looked at: the quality of the education provided, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, adult learning programmes and apprenticeships.

The report highlighted a supportive learning environment, with inspectors saying:

Learners and apprentices develop positive relationships with staff and benefit from a culture where the principles of equality and diversity are nurtured. They feel highly valued and supported.

It also praised BESA’s leadership and the variety of courses on offer, saying:

Leaders and managers provide an ambitious and accessible curriculum that helps learners to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their employment opportunities and to progress in their careers.

Tutors were also praised for continually updating their subject knowledge to ensure it remains current, by completing training and webinars. They were also praised for:

…provid[ing] learners and apprentices with useful information to help them plan their next steps.

The report made 3 recommendations to help BESA build on its ‘good’ rating.

Councillor Steve Watkins, our Executive Member for Assets, Business and Housing, said:

We are delighted that BESA has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted across all categories. This recognition highlights the positive impact we’re making in helping residents develop essential skills and secure employment.

We are encouraged by the feedback and will continue to build on our achievements, ensuring that we maintain these high standards. Our goal is to keep providing a service that supports the long-term success of our community.

At the time of the inspection, 400 adult learners were enrolled across various courses, while 43 individuals were actively participating in apprenticeship programmes.

Find our more about the courses and qualifications offered by BESA.