Abingdon & Witney College celebrates national recognition as a leading apprenticeship provider

Staff at Abingdon & Witney College are celebrating following the publication of new national achievement data, which confirms the College as one of the top apprenticeship providers in England.

The latest National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTS) for the 2024/25 academic year place Abingdon & Witney College 5th nationally among General Further Education colleges for overall apprenticeship achievement. The College achieved an overall apprenticeship success rate of 77.4%, significantly above the national average of 65.4%, highlighting the quality of its training, the commitment of its apprentices and the strength of its partnerships with employers across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Achievement at Level 3 apprenticeships (equivalent to A Levels) is a particular strength. The college ranked 1st nationally at this level, confirming its position as a leading provider of advanced and higher‑level apprenticeships. Adult learners aged 24 and over, achieved an outstanding 91.4% success rate, while younger apprentices also performed exceptionally well. Apprentices aged 16–18 ranked 2nd nationally for Level 3 provision, and Level 2 apprentices aged 16–18 ranked 7th nationally, demonstrating strong outcomes across age groups.

Across all levels and ages, the majority of apprenticeship results sit comfortably within the top 25% – and often the top 10% – nationally, reinforcing apprenticeships as a core strength of the College’s provision.

Performance is particularly strong in Construction and Business apprenticeships, which together account for around two‑thirds of the College’s total apprenticeship delivery and support hundreds of employers each year. Construction apprenticeships ranked 2nd nationally, reflecting excellent completion and progression outcomes in a sector that plays a vital role in the regional economy. Business apprenticeships also performed extremely well, placing the College within the top 10% of General FE colleges nationally for achievement.

Edward Collett, Commercial Director at Abingdon & Witney College, said:

“These results reflect the dedication of our apprentices, the expertise of our staff and the ongoing commitment of our employer partners. Being recognised among the top apprenticeship providers nationally demonstrates the real impact apprenticeships have on careers, businesses and communities across Oxfordshire.”

Building on this success, the College continues to expand and enhance its apprenticeship offer, working closely with employers to address local and regional skills needs while providing high‑quality apprenticeship pathways for learners of all ages.

To find out more about apprenticeships at Abingdon & Witney College, contact the Business Development team on 01235 216 216 or email apprenticeships@abingdon‑witney.ac.uk.