Oxford Brookes University's degree apprenticeship's have been rated as 'good' following a visit from Ofsted inspectors, with the university's foundation art and design course rated 'outstanding'.

The university, situated in Headington, Oxford, was given the ratings following an inspection between November 14 and 17, 2023.

Oxford Brookes University is a higher education establishment offering a variety of educational programmes with nearly 100 foundation art and design students and roughly 250 apprentices.

The university received a 'good' rating across all aspects of the degree apprenticeships other than Foundation Art and Design programme, which was rated 'outstanding'.

Inspectors found that "adults, younger students, and most apprentices have very positive attitudes to their studies".

The report also states that students and apprentices greatly enjoy opportunities for learning beyond the classroom, resulting in highly motivated individuals striving to reach their educational and career-oriented goals.

It also said: "Apprentices improve in confidence rapidly and demonstrate the high standards of professional behaviours that employers demand."

In the report, inspectors complimented the university's forward-thinking policies, stating, "leaders have a clear rationale for the curriculum they offer", meaning that the programmes provided were closely aligned with the skills needs of the region and sectors.

Consequently, Oxford Brookes University helps students and apprentices develop necessary skills and knowledge for their future careers.

Furthermore, tutors at the university were praised for their teaching skill. The inspector said: "Tutors teach new concepts skilfully so that adults, younger students and apprentices remember new information quickly and successfully".

Inspectors especially drew attention to the way in which the 'outstanding' foundation art and design students were taught.

The inspectors found that "the teaching of very experienced and aspirational tutors, who are exceptionally enthusiastic about art education" positively influenced the students.

They also found that "art and design students develop highly valuable employability skills and confidence quickly through demanding and high-profile work experience opportunities."

The example of students designing and constructing sets for a prominent tailor during London Fashion Week was given.

They further highlighted the effective assessment techniques employed by the tutors, which helped students understand their progress and areas for improvement.

There was also praise for the university's approach to mental health as "adults, younger students and apprentices benefit from opportunities to acquire valuable wider insights on topics such as equality and diversity, British values and keeping themselves mentally healthy".

The report concluded that "Governance is effective", and the "arrangements for safeguarding are effective".

Thus, Oxford Brookes University maintains a positive, safe, and learning-conducive environment for its students, and fully prepares them for the demands of the professional world.