Welcome to Ofsted Insights; a deep dive into inspection data across further education, skills and apprenticeship provision under the Education Inspection Framework. These reports help providers to make effective use of the findings in Ofsted reports in one simple-to-read document.
This edition focuses on inclusion: what inspectors are noticing, where providers are strongest, and where the same risks are appearing repeatedly across the sector.
238 reports were analysed across five provider types, spanning inspections primarily from late 2025 to mid 2026.
We have looked at inspection reports for:
- Independent training providers (188)
- Employer providers (20)
- General further education colleges (14)
- Adult and community learning providers (10)
- Universities delivering apprenticeship or skills provision (6)
Across the dataset, inclusion grades were:
- Exceptional = 1
- Strong Standard = 53
- Expected Standard = 151
- Needs Attention = 33
- Urgent Improvement = 0
Several clear patterns emerged. Adult and Community Learning providers performed strongest, with 60% achieving Strong Standard or above for inclusion. General FE colleges were second strongest by share, while independent training providers accounted for most of the Needs Attention inclusion grades.
We also looked at how inclusion relates to Leadership and Governance. The report highlights recurring areas for leaders and nominees to monitor.
The strongest providers are not simply talking about inclusion. They are identifying needs early, using data intelligently, investing in staff confidence, and making inclusion visible through curriculum, teaching, support and governance.
Download the report to see the full analysis, headline findings and provider-level dataset.
Read the Inclusion analysis report here
This report is a companion to the Ofsted Inclusion Analysis Report and Professional Development and Teaching Quality report, which each take a deep, theme-limited look at this dataset. This report asks a different question: across the whole dataset, with no theme filter applied, what patterns would help a nominee plan for their own provider’s inspection?
Read the Nominee planning analysis here