Academy recognised by Ofsted for strong apprentice development
The Peabody Academy has received a positive Ofsted report under the regulator’s new inspection framework, with inspectors recognising the quality of its apprenticeship training and its strong approach to participation and development.
Published: 27/07/2026
Set up three years ago, our Academy now supports more than 200 apprentices. It has just been ranked first among housing-sector entrants to The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026 and last year won the Housing Heroes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Training and Recruitment. Peabody is also part of The 5% Club, reflecting our wider commitment to apprenticeships and other opportunities to earn while learning.
Tracy Round-Turner, Principal of the Peabody Academy, said: “This recognition means a great deal to everyone involved in the Academy. It reflects the passion and commitment of our apprentices, trainers, managers and colleagues who believe in the power of learning. Our apprentices bring real commitment and colleagues across Peabody work hard to help them succeed.
“An apprenticeship can build confidence and open up new opportunities. For many colleagues, it is a route back into learning and a chance to progress their careers. The skills they develop also feed directly into the service residents receive.”
The Academy is our in-house apprenticeship and training provider. It helps colleagues gain professional qualifications, develop their careers and build skills that support better services for residents.
Under Ofsted’s new report card framework, providers are assessed across individual areas rather than receiving a single overall grade. The Academy received a strong standard for participation and development and met the expected standard in every other area assessed. Achieving the expected standard means fully meeting Ofsted’s requirements. Safeguarding standards were also met.
Inspectors found that apprentices learn in a highly supportive environment, have excellent attendance and make significant progress. This includes colleagues returning to education after many years or beginning with few previous qualifications. Most remain in employment after completing their programmes, with many gaining promotions or taking on greater responsibility.
The report also recognised how closely the Academy’s courses connect to Peabody’s work. Apprentices apply what they learn directly in their roles, while masterclasses, mentoring and wider development opportunities help them build confidence and professional networks.
We’ll continue to grow the Academy’s apprenticeship and professional development offer to support Peabody and the future housing workforce. The next stage includes a Level 4 Senior Housing and Property Management apprenticeship alongside the Chartered Institute of Housing Level 5 Diploma. The Academy is also introducing a Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative apprenticeship for frontline colleagues.
This is the Academy’s second positive Ofsted milestone. At its earlier New Provider Monitoring Visit, inspectors found that it was making significant progress.
