Newly released Government data revealed that Bradford College is one of England’s best-performing larger further education colleges based on achievement.
National Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) data published by the Department for Education measures the performance of colleges and training organisations. The 2023/2024 achievement figures for large training providers (500+ apprentices) show Bradford College’s strength across curriculum:
16-18 Provision*
• Bradford College is the best-performing FE college in West Yorkshire.
• Achievement is better than 80% of English colleges with an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ grade.
• Level 1 outperformed many top-rated colleges nationwide (92.5% achievement rate).
• Strong achievement also delivered at Entry Level (88.7%), Level 2 (89.2%) and Level 3 (85.8%).
Apprenticeships
• Bradford College is one of England’s top five large FE colleges for apprenticeships.
• Best large college apprenticeship provider in West Yorkshire for a second year.
• Achievement rates are 5% higher than all other large FE colleges in West Yorkshire (70%).
Adults
• Best English achievement rate in Yorkshire & Humber (93.9% against 79.5% regionally)
• Best Maths achievement rate (84.8% against 71% for Yorkshire & Humber FE colleges)
• More than 10,000 adults upskill or reskill with Bradford College every year.
Judith Jackson, Head of Apprenticeships & Business Development at Bradford College, said:
“We’re delighted that this latest QAR report shows Bradford College to be amongst the very best large FE colleges in England for achievement. We support over 800 apprentices to kickstart their careers annually, so to be recognised as the best large training provider in West Yorkshire for the second year is fantastic.
“Our exceptional training, industry-focused teaching, and hands-on support have contributed to us attaining one of the highest achievement rates in Yorkshire. Whether it’s construction, engineering, hair & beauty, health, or digital, we’re helping learners gain the skills employers need and supporting vital regional economic growth.”
The DfE uses QAR figures to judge how apprenticeship providers perform each year. Data indicates the number of learners completing and passing their apprenticeship which, when the QAR figure is high, is a good indicator that the training is well-delivered, the course is well-managed, and learners are supported to achieve success.
This latest news comes soon after Bradford College won a prestigious Association of College’s Beacon Award. The national accolades celebrate the best and most innovative practices in further education colleges and demonstrate the far-reaching impact on students and their communities.
* (excluding maths & English GCSEs)
