Nova Training is celebrating the outcome of its latest Ofsted inspection, achieving the Expected Standard across every area assessed, with safeguarding standards also met.
The inspection, which took place from 13 July 2026, examined the organisation's provision for young people, apprentices, learners with high needs, inclusion and leadership and governance.
Inspectors recognised the strong commitment of staff to supporting learners and apprentices who face significant barriers to education, employment and progression.
Nova Training operates from 13 centres across the West Midlands, Essex and Norfolk, supporting hundreds of learners and apprentices through face-to-face education and training.
Strong outcomes across the provision
Nova Training's education programmes for young people achieved the Expected Standard across achievement, curriculum and teaching, and participation and development.
Inspectors found that learners make clear progress from their starting points and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for their next steps. The report also noted that the proportion of learners achieving their full qualification has increased consistently since the previous inspection.
Many learners overcome significant personal, social and educational challenges during their programmes, developing greater confidence, resilience and independence. A high proportion progress to positive destinations including further education, apprenticeships and employment.
Supporting learners with high needs
The High Needs provision also achieved the Expected Standard across all assessed areas.
Inspectors found that a high proportion of learners with high needs progress to their next steps, with nearly all achieving full or partial qualifications. Learners develop greater confidence, resilience and independence and progress into further education, training or employment appropriate to their aspirations and abilities.
The report highlighted the effective use of individual plans, assessment information and tailored teaching strategies to meet learners' needs.
Apprenticeships meet the Expected Standard
Nova Training's Apprenticeship provision achieved the Expected Standard across achievement, curriculum and teaching, and participation and development.
Inspectors found that apprentices make sound progress from their starting points, develop secure occupational knowledge and skills and confidently apply their learning in the workplace.
The report also recognised the strong relationships between Nova Training, apprentices and employers, with apprentices developing the skills and behaviours required for workplace success.
Inclusion recognised as a strength
Inclusion was identified as an important part of Nova Training's provision.
Inspectors found that leaders promote an inclusive culture where learners and apprentices feel valued and supported. Staff identify individual needs and barriers effectively and provide a range of support strategies to help learners engage, overcome barriers and make positive progress.
The report also recognised effective partnerships with employers and external agencies and the personalised support provided to care-experienced learners.
Leadership and governance
Leadership and governance achieved the Expected Standard.
Inspectors recognised leaders' clear and purposeful vision for supporting learners and apprentices facing significant disadvantage and multiple barriers to learning.
Governors were found to provide effective strategic oversight, while investment in staff development and wellbeing was also recognised. Staff reported feeling well supported and valued the positive culture within the organisation.
Safeguarding standards met
Safeguarding standards were met. Inspectors confirmed that Nova Training has an open and positive safeguarding culture in which concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed, helping learners to feel safe and secure.
Continuing to improve
Alongside the positive findings, Ofsted identified four clear priorities for continued improvement: ensuring teaching and training are consistently expert across all centres and curriculum areas, continuing to raise achievement rates, strengthening careers guidance and broadening work-related learning opportunities.
Nova Training welcomes this feedback and will continue to build on the progress already made.
David Bucknall, Managing Director of Nova Training, said:
"This is an important achievement for everyone at Nova Training. The Expected Standard across every area assessed, alongside safeguarding standards being met, reflects the commitment of our colleagues to supporting learners and apprentices, particularly those who face significant barriers to education and employment.
"We are proud of the progress recognised by Ofsted and equally committed to acting on the areas identified for further development. Our focus remains firmly on improving outcomes, strengthening the quality and consistency of teaching and ensuring every learner and apprentice has the knowledge, skills, confidence and support they need to succeed.
"I would like to thank every member of Team Nova for their dedication, professionalism and hard work."
The inspection outcome marks an important milestone for Nova Training, while providing a clear platform for the organisation to continue improving outcomes and opportunities for learners and apprentices across its provision.
Read the full Ofsted report – click here