Mini Commission #2
Apprenticeship QAR and Success Measures
Exploring a more Balanced, Fair and Transparent Approach to Accountability
Introduction:
Following the success of AELP’s mini commission into Functional Skills Qualifications (FSQs) and subsequent flexibilities announced in February, we are today (Monday 03 March) launching our second mini commission which will focus on Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR). The research will specifically look to:
“Assess how data reporting, and apprentice and employer actions, can unduly affect a provider’s QAR data, and identify possible solutions on how the system could be changed, with shared accountability (providers and employers) and fairer and more transparent measures”
Background and current provider accountability systems:
The Apprenticeship Accountability Framework (AAF), first introduced in April 2022, integrates QARs with other performance indicators to monitor and improve the quality of apprenticeship training across England. It is a comprehensive system implemented by the Department for Education (DfE) to assess, and ensure, the quality of apprenticeship training providers. The framework employs a data-driven, risk-based approach to monitor provider performance, emphasising timely interventions and continuous self-improvement. Key performance indicators within the framework include Ofsted inspection outcomes, apprenticeship achievement rates, retention rates, and feedback from both apprentices and employers.
Qualification Achievement Rates (QARs) are a critical component of this framework. QARs measure the proportion of learners who successfully complete their apprenticeships within a given timeframe, serving as a key indicator of a provider's effectiveness. The AAF utilises QARs alongside other metrics to provide a holistic view of provider performance. Providers with low QARs may be identified as 'at risk' or in need of improvement, prompting targeted interventions to enhance training quality.
The third cog in the wheel, alongside QAR and AAF, is Ofsted, and we now need to consider how the new proposed Ofsted Framework and Report Card structure fits in to the bigger picture of provider performance. Obviously it’s too early to tell yet, with the consultation only just being launched on 03 February 2025 and running until 28 April 2025, but changes to the way Ofsted inspect and report will be implemented in November 2025.
Following early consultation with DfE, it is acknowledged and agreed that all of these mechanisms are needed as a measure of success but we need to get the balance right to ensure accountability is fair and transparent. We know that accountability is not as simple for apprenticeships as it is for classroom based learning and with, in the region of, 1500 providers offering apprenticeship provision, all have different delivery models, are delivering different standards and to different sizes in terms of learner numbers.
We also know that a new DfE consultation was launched on 03 February, to consider school accountability reform, but with many other changes ahead now seems like the most opportunistic time for AELP to launch our new mini commission.
Mini commission phases
Phase 1, launched today, will look to gather and analyse data related to 2023/24 apprenticeship withdrawals and achievement rates. To run alongside this we are also consulting with members through a provider survey here.
Note: The survey will be live for three weeks so please submit your information, in as much detail as possible, by the deadline of COB on Friday 21 March.
Phase 2 will commence in April, with a series of member roundtables and provider case studies, to capture provider feedback on our early findings (from phase 1) in order to expand on this and obtain further feedback/commentary from members’ perspectives.
Timeline:
Month (2025) - Activity
- February - Internal Data Analysis
- February - FOI requests
- March - Mini commission # 2 and provider survey launch (03 March 2025)
- March - Interim Report drafted
- April - Member roundtables (w/c 7th April)
- April - Provider case studies
- May - Assimilation of data and draft report
- June - Final report
- June - Dissemination of findings (AELP National Conference)
How to get involved:
We will be holding two roundtable sessions during w/c 07 April to provide more information on our interim findings and to answer questions. Please use the following links to register your interest:
Monday 07 April, 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Thursday 10 April, 10am – 11:30am
If you would also like to get involved in a provider case study in April, please contact [email protected].
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