Apprenticeship achievement rate at Exeter hits 80%

Four out of five apprentices at the University of Exeter successfully complete their training and assessment on time, new figures show.

The figures released by the Department for Education show that the national ‘achievement rate’ for apprenticeships – the proportion of apprentices who complete their training and assessment on time – is 60.5%.

But for Higher Level apprenticeships (at levels 4-7), the University of Exeter has an achievement rate of 80.9% for the last academic year – the second highest out of all apprenticeship providers – and comfortably above the 67 per cent target the government hopes all providers will reach by the end of 2024-25.

Exeter also saw a 28% year-on-year increase in the number of apprentices completing their qualification.

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.”

The figures at a national level paint a rosy picture for higher level apprenticeships, with the total number of apprentice leavers increasing year-on-year and the apprenticeship dropout rate noticeably improving. 

Skills minister Jacqui Smith said the overall achievement rate rise is the “biggest increase since the standards were introduced”, a “fantastic result” and that progress “is testament to our partnership and the hard work” of apprenticeship providers.

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.” 

Find out more about degree apprenticeships at the University of Exeter here.