'Good Provider' Ofsted rating: Driving excellence in procurement apprenticeships
30 October 2025
We’re delighted to announce that our apprenticeship provision has been awarded a "Good Provider" rating by Ofsted following a recent inspection.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, tutors, and the high standards we maintain across all our learning programmes.
This rating affirms our position as a leading provider of procurement and supply chain education, and we’re prouder than ever to be helping develop future leaders in the profession.
Ofsted inspectors recognised the high quality of our apprenticeships and the clear vision CIPS leadership has for the profession.
Key highlights from the inspection report include:
- Aligned to standards: Our apprenticeships are directly linked to professional exams and industry-wide standards, ensuring learners gain immediately relevant, real-world skills.
- Expert Tutors and Learning: Our learners benefit from expert tutors who deliver well-sequenced, real-world learning, blending academic rigour with practical application.
- Bridging theory and practice: Our coaches play a crucial role, using industry-wide insights to effectively bridge the gap between classroom theory and workplace practice.
- Impactful: Apprentices are given challenging workplace tasks that deepen their understanding and ability to apply their knowledge effectively.
- Success rates: Our success rates have increased steadily, particularly at Level 4, with many apprentices achieving distinction grades.
- Focussed feedback: Learners receive carefully marked work and constructive feedback that is clearly designed to drive continuous improvement.
- Inclusive support: We were commended for our inclusive support for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Career-focused: We provide excellent career-focused resources and guidance to support long-term professional development.
Robust governance: Ofsted noted the strong quality assurance and governance that underpins our programmes and fuels our commitment to continuous improvement.
"The 'Good' Ofsted rating signals clearly to all organisations in England that we can offer a trusted, high-quality, and impactful route to talent development and recruitment within procurement and supply.
We’re eager to partner with more businesses to help them invest in their talent by upskilling their existing workforce, attracting new professionals into this high-demand career, and ultimately future-proofing the profession" Ben Farrell MBE, CEO, CIPS
Ready to find out how CIPS apprenticeships can transform your team? Contact us E: CorporateSolutions@cips.org
