We have some incredible news to share! Following our Ofsted inspection in May, we are thrilled to announce that we have secured a 'Strong' standard across all areas of the inspection framework.
At the time of writing, only 6% of the independent training providers who have undergone inspection under the new framework have achieved results of Strong in every category.
We were inspected under the new Ofsted report card framework introduced in November 2025, which evaluates five key areas, including education quality, leadership, inclusion, and learner support. Securing a clean sweep of 'Strong' ratings across the board is a massive achievement - and a direct reflection of the hard work, passion, and expertise of our team, alongside the incredible commitment of our apprentices.
Crucially, the report highlighted our commitment to Inclusion. Ofsted looked closely at how we break down barriers to learning, ensuring that every apprentice, regardless of their background, starting point, or additional needs, receives the tailored, equitable support they need to belong and thrive.
You'll find us referenced as Sporting Futures Training (UK) Ltd in the report - our registered name on the government's Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR).
Jo Pountney, Director of Apprenticeships, commented;
“I am immensely proud to share the results of our recent Ofsted inspection. This incredible report is underpinned by our deeply committed staff who pour their energy into delivering outstanding training opportunities every day. This success belongs equally to our supportive apprenticeship employers and extraordinary learners whose journeys demonstrate the power of apprenticeships to elevate aspirations, support communities and change lives.
My thanks go to everyone in the team, the wider Real Group family, our workplace mentors and our valued partners who made this achievement possible. Together, we will continue to champion inclusion, social mobility and educational excellence through apprenticeships."
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Siobhan Mellor, Director of Pedagogy and Learning, added;
“It is a credit to all involved to see our curriculum offer and quality of tutoring so highly praised by Ofsted. Over the past few years, we have expanded our programmes, including bringing in SEND masterclasses and launching innovative new apprenticeships, such as our Assistant SENCO programme. ESF has a unique learning culture and we are so proud of our apprentices who are developing their skills, growing in confidence and bringing immediate value to their setting."
Some highlights from our report
Inclusion: Strong standard
"Leaders have created a highly inclusive culture. They and their staff model inclusive values daily, which strengthens apprentices’ sense of belonging, confidence and aspirations. Leaders identify, assess and meet apprentices’ needs swiftly and effectively. They ensure that staff provide timely, tailored support to apprentices that quickly and expertly reduces barriers to learning and wellbeing."
Leadership and governance:Â Strong standard
"Leaders ensure that tutors complete highly relevant, meaningful professional development. Tutors stay up to date with current research about pedagogy, which they use to expertly inform their practice and curricula content."
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Apprenticeships: Strong standard
"Apprentices are taught extremely well. Tutors use a range of teaching and assessment strategies to teach content very clearly. They explain new concepts with up-to-date vocational language, using contemporary theoretical models that reflect current educational research."
Curriculum and Training:Â Strong standard
"Staff ensure that what apprentices learn is highly relevant to apprentices’ work roles. They work very effectively with workplace mentors, who receive impactful training and support from the provider's staff. Tutors understand apprentices’ workplace contexts fully. Apprentices apply their learning immediately to their work, which has swift, positive impact on the children they support."
Participation and development:Â Strong standard
"Apprentices are inspired by high-quality experts such as educational psychologists, who provide masterclasses. Leaders provide high-quality resources to improve apprentices' understanding of a breadth of highly relevant wider development topics, including health, wellbeing and technology. Apprentices use these to the benefit of their communities, such as leading initiatives for increasing participation of girls in sport."
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