Ofsted has rated independent learning provider Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATT FE), based at Sutton Community Academy and the Dukeries Academy, Ollerton, as good.

ATT FE provides 16–19 study programmes, adult learning programmes and apprenticeships across north Nottinghamshire. It was previously rated requiring improvement.

It was praised in all seven areas of the inspection – outcomes for learners, pupil development and welfare, teaching and learning, and leadership and management, as well as each provision.

Senior leaders at ATT FE were described as ambitious for learners and apprentices, ensuring robust performance management that improved the quality of the provision and eradicated poor teaching and learning.

Inspectors praised tutors and assessors as highly focused on helping learners to gain the skills and attitudes required that resulted in a large majority staying in education, training or employment.

ATT FE’s strong community ethos was highlighted.

Inspectors praised the strength and effectiveness of links established by ATT FE with local employers, organisations and the Jobcentre Plus.

That led to good quality work places and apprenticeship opportunities for learners, providing new opportunities for the many disadvantaged learners that ATTFE served.

The report said considerable numbers of learners moved from long-term unemployment into sustainable employment.

Liz Barrett, principal at ATT FE, said: “We are all delighted with the Ofsted report as we feel that it securely acknowledges the collective journey we have taken over the past few years to now be judged as a good provider.

“In addition, the report significantly acknowledges that work that we do in the communities that we serve to provide high quality lifelong learning experiences which have good outcomes and are completely inclusive in their delivery approach.”

Ian Cleland, CEO at Academy Transformation Trust, commented: “We are proud that the excellent work done by ATT FE in Nottinghamshire has been recognised by a recent Ofsted inspection as Good in all areas.

“This is particularly important because very few FE providers receive this judgement. The Ofsted inspectors recognised the excellent work done for learners and were particularly complimentary about its work with unemployed and disadvantaged learners.

“The trust is extremely proud of the huge commitment of principal Liz Barrett and her team who give their time so generously and who thoroughly deserve this judgement.”