Inspection Trends to Watch in 2025/26 — What FE and Skills Providers Need to Know
Why Knowing the Trends Gives You an Edge
Every academic year brings new priorities for inspectors — and in 2024/25, several provision types are seeing heightened scrutiny from Ofsted.
Whether you're leading an Independent Training Provider (ITP), Further Education college, or running alternative provision, understanding current inspection patterns can make the difference between Good and Requires Improvement.
Let’s unpack where the spotlight is falling — and how providers can prepare.
3 Provision Areas Under the Microscope
1. Apprenticeships
Inspectors are looking closely at:
How well programmes are aligned with employer needs
The quality and sequencing of off-the-job training
Completion and achievement rates, particularly for higher-level apprenticeships
2. Adult Education Budget (AEB) and Adult Skills Provision
Focus areas include:
Clear evidence of learner progress and outcomes
How learning leads to employment or progression
Whether programmes meet local skills improvement plan (LSIP) priorities
3. Alternative Provision and 16–19 Study Programmes
Ofsted continues to prioritise:
Safeguarding procedures
The suitability of curriculum pathways
Access to personal development and careers guidance
Common Themes Across All Provision Types
Regardless of the setting, inspection teams are consistently asking:
Is your curriculum clearly sequenced and regularly reviewed?
Are you delivering impactful personal development?
Is governance strong enough to drive improvement?
Is your quality assurance live and embedded, not retrospective?
How to Prepare Proactively
If you deliver in any of these high-focus areas, now is the time to:
Conduct a Quality and Compliance MOT
Ensure your ILPs and progress tracking tools are Gatsby-aligned
Review safeguarding and careers education processes
Equip your board with governance training and challenge tools
At The Leadership Team, we work with providers to audit provision types against current inspection focus and support readiness through practical, hands-on consultancy.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
Understanding inspection trends is your first defence — acting on them is your best offence.
👉 Book a readiness call with us to assess your risk areas and plan a tailored strategy.