ANS Academy has been awarded “strong standard” across all categories in the latest Ofsted assessment of its apprenticeship delivery – we are the only provider to achieve this level of grading for apprenticeship provision under the new framework. The recognition underscores the quality of the ANS Academy and its role in developing future technology talent, as skills demand continues to rise across the UK.
ANS Academy was noted for its excellent work across every category: inclusion, leadership and governance, achievement, curriculum and teaching, and participation and development. The report highlighted ANS Academy’s commitment to “collaborating with a wide network of stakeholders to understand what specific skills employers need” to ensure that the training is aligned to the fast-evolving digital sector. Whilst leaders and governors were praised for their “meticulous” and ambitious approach to delivering “high quality and up-to-date training for apprentices who want to work or who already work in the digital transformation sector.” These were seen as driving factors for the success of our programmes.
Our ANS Academy-as-a-Service offering, which makes the same high-calibre apprenticeship training available to other employers including ANS’s partners and customers, was also included in the Ofsted report. Launched in 2024, ANS Academy-as-a-Service has helped businesses such as TrustFord and Liquify develop skills in Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, DevOps & AI. It was noted ANS Academy has “highly effective” partnerships with employers. It is actively helping to build a diverse pipeline of technical talent across the wider technology ecosystem, in which apprentices “are well prepared for future learning, sustained employment or progression into roles with greater responsibility.”
The Academy’s success is underpinned by its tailored approach to learning. The report praised ANS Academy’s structured mentoring and individual training plans to allow “barriers to apprentices’ learning and well-being to be reduced significantly over time.” Due to this tailored support, apprentices at ANS Academy “thrive” and are highly motivated, working closely with staff to “develop a deep sense of belonging.”
Inspectors praised ANS Academy’s curriculum for its industry relevance, continuing the theme of leaders maintaining high standards, and ensuring programmes align with the sector’s needs. Trainers are commended as “technical experts” who teach complex subjects skilfully – often integrating more advanced topics beyond the scope of the apprenticeship.
ANS Academy also integrates holistic wellbeing and an inclusive culture that “permeates through the provider,” delivered via “extensive opportunities to develop,” including Power Skills workshops and curriculum content on emerging technologies such as AI, giving apprentices a strong foundation to develop the independence to manage professional tasks and grow in their roles. The provision of a range of networks at ANS including LGBTQ+, menopause, neurodiversity, mental health help to “cultivate a strong sense of support and belonging for apprentices.”
We have exciting plans to continue growing the Academy in 2026, with a renewed focus on AI development and targeted learning pathways that will prepare apprentices to support customers with responsible AI adoption.
Richard Thompson, CEO of ANS, said: “The Ofsted assessment reflects the quality and commitment at the heart of our ANS Academy. Our programme’s continued growth and success is a real testament to our focus on developing the next generation of technology talent.
“As we expand our focus on AI, the Academy plays a critical role in developing high-calibre talent at pace, equipping our people with the skills needed to adopt and apply emerging technologies responsibly. This approach strengthens our position as a Frontier Firm and helps shape a more resilient, future-ready UK technology workforce.”
Ash Brookes, IT Tech Analyst Apprentice at ANS, said: “The ANS Academy has given me the opportunity to enter the tech industry at 30. I’ve always been interested in tech, but finding a way into the industry felt almost impossible until ANS’s apprenticeship programme. The Academy has helped me develop both my technical knowledge and academic skills, giving me everything I need to succeed in my career and make a real impact within my team.”
Krystal Marchant, Business Customer Support Manager at TrustFord, said: “Working with ANS Academy has been a great experience so far. The quality of training has built our apprentices’ confidence, skills and professionalism, enabling them to make a real and positive impact on our support desk from day one. The apprentices’ are now valued team members who contribute effectively and consistently to our business and are thriving.”
Andy Riach, Head of Managed Services, ANS Group, said: “ANS Academy provides sustained, on-the-job support that goes far beyond core training which delivers real value. Through a true partnership we work together to ensure programmes continually evolve with our business requirements and the technology landscape such as the new L4 Dev Ops offering allowing our apprentices grow with it, accelerate into meaningful work and lift service quality while strengthening a resilient and future ready talent pipeline across Managed Services.”
If you would like to find more about how we can support your business with Apprenticeships or to join our apprenticeship scheme and fast-track your pathway into a great career within the industry then please contact Thomas Robinson.