Exeter apprentices among UK’s best

Four in five apprentices at the University of Exeter are completing their qualifications on time – significantly outperforming the national average.

New figures from the Department for Education show that 80.9% of Higher Level apprentices (Levels 4–7) at the University completed both their training and assessments within the expected timeframe last academic year. That’s well above the national average of 60.5%, and places Exeter second among all apprenticeship providers.

The result also comfortably exceeds the government’s own target of 67% achievement by 2024–25.

The University of Exeter has seen a 28% year-on-year increase in apprenticeship completions, reflecting continued growth and demand for its degree apprenticeship programmes.

Rachael Johnstone, Director of the Centre for Degree Partnerships at the University of Exeter, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that so many of our apprentices succeed in completing their qualification on time, which reflects the supportive and dynamic learning environment we provide here at Exeter, as well as how closely we work with our employer partners to break down barriers to success and progression.”

Nationally, the number of apprentices completing their qualifications continues to rise, while dropout rates are showing improvement.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith described the national progress as the “biggest increase since the standards were introduced”, calling it a “fantastic result” and praising providers for their efforts.

Ben Rowland, CEO of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, said:

“We continue to champion the view that skills means growth and this progress underscores the value of investing in the skills sector. As we look ahead to June’s comprehensive spending review, this data will give the Treasury reassurance that apprenticeship funding delivers real, measurable outcomes.”