As a longstanding and well-respected professional training provider, Professional Academy — operating as Cambridge Professional Academy — has a strong history of successful results and positive external audits from awarding bodies. In early October 2024, Professional Academy received its third Ofsted inspection and was graded as 'Good' across all areas assessed.
After adding apprenticeship programmes to its professional learning portfolio in 2017, this latest inspection result represents a significant milestone — confirming that the quality of education, behaviours, attitudes, and outcomes delivered to apprentices meets the high standards Ofsted expects of leading training providers.
Understanding the Ofsted Inspection
The inspection examined the quality of education, behaviours and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and rated all aspects as Good. The report is structured around three key areas:
- What is it like to be a learner with Professional Academy?
- What does Professional Academy do well?
- Safeguarding
Key Findings
- Apprentices learn valuable sales and marketing knowledge and skills.
- Apprentices approach their jobs in a structured and planned manner because of their training.
- Staff prepare apprentices comprehensively for successful careers in the industry.
- Apprentices frequently gain promotions and take on more responsibility because of their learning.
- Apprentices show great confidence and fluency when presenting their work.
- Two-thirds of apprentices now complete their apprenticeship and achieve their qualification.
- Most achieve with a distinction grade.
- Leaders work highly effectively with employers in the marketing sector.
- Employers, including large national companies, value greatly the skills and professional behaviours apprentices develop during their apprenticeship.
- They ensure that apprentices can relate their learning to their workplace practice.
- Mentors prepare apprentices thoroughly for examinations and for their next career steps.
- The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Statements from Leadership
Hazel Lott-Canning, Head of Operations
Hazel noted that the inspection not only highlighted a number of excellent plus points but also provided invaluable constructive feedback that Professional Academy and its team will be implementing to the benefit of the business and all of its apprenticeship partners.
Philip Knowles, Head of Learning
Philip emphasised that the inspection recognised not only the excellence of Professional Academy's teaching but also the tangible outcomes delivered for both apprentices and employers — a reflection of the team's commitment to quality at every level.
Martin Hutchins, Founder and Managing Director
Martin described the positive Ofsted assessment as a welcome reminder of the quality of Professional Academy's offer, expressing particular satisfaction at the recognition of the high-quality learning and valuable career support that apprentices receive throughout their programmes.
Apprenticeship Programmes Offered
Professional Academy currently offers the following apprenticeship programmes, with face-to-face workshops and start days throughout the year:
| Marketing | Sales | Business Administration |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3 Multi-Channel Marketer | Sales Apprenticeships | Business Administrator |
| Level 4 Marketing Executive | ||
| Level 6 Marketing Manager |
How Professional Academy Supports Your Journey
This Ofsted 'Good' grading reflects Professional Academy's ongoing commitment to delivering apprenticeship programmes that genuinely change careers and create lasting value for employers. It is a result that belongs to our apprentices, our employer partners, and our dedicated team of tutors and mentors.
If you are an employer looking to invest in your team through a recognised, Ofsted-inspected apprenticeship programme, or an individual interested in gaining a qualification whilst in work, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. For more information about our apprenticeship opportunities, get in touch with our team at 01223 365505 or email apprenticeships@professionalacademy.com, or complete our online enquiry form.
