Bristol's Lifetime Training hails restored OFSTED rating

Investment in technology and people has helped Bristol-based Lifetime Training, the UK’s largest independent training provider, restore its OFSTED grading to a Grade 2 'Good' rating.

In the last few years, Lifetime, founded almost 30 years ago, has worked closely with employers, learners and coaches to ensure training is highly relevant and specific to each role.

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92% of learners now say the apprenticeship will support them reach their career goals, and there is an overall satisfaction rate of 87%.

"We are delighted with this Grade 2 rating. We’ve made significant investments in quality, technology, and most importantly our people since our last inspection and have ambitious plans for the future. This rating, for us, is validation of that work and the progress we have made to date," said David Smith, CEO of Lifetime.

"Workplaces are changing at pace, and we want to ensure that our learners are well-placed to capitalise on this, irrespective of their field and background.

"As a training provider, our role is to support learners and employer partners alike to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape."

Susan Beasley at HC-One, a long-standing employer partner of Lifetime, added: "This report and grading underpins our experience and is well deserved.

"It clearly identifies Lifetime's commitment to learner development and curriculum design which has been instrumental in our long-term partnership and the measurable impact on our colleagues and wider business."

Other improvements noted by OFSTED included upgraded support for students with SEND, investment in a learner management system, and improvements to teaching, feedback mechanisms and methods.

Paul Thompson, director of people and learning at sports-focused charity Coach Core Foundation, said: "The positive report from Ofsted truly reflects our experiences of working with them.

"Lifetime's unwavering commitment to partnering with us to support young adults who face barriers, discrimination, and lack of opportunities has been instrumental in achieving life-changing outcomes.

"By enabling under-represented young people to access inclusive sports apprenticeships, we have together not only changed their lives but also positively impacted the communities they serve."