Ofsted Outstanding
News
Outstanding Ofsted 2025: How BSU is changing the lives of adult learners
Thursday, 11 September, 2025Bath Spa University is delighted to announce that its Adult Skills provision including Skills Bootcamps and Adult Community Learning has been recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The report recognises BSU’s innovative and impactful work across the region, noting the quality of the curriculum, rigorous evaluation and the focus on additional needs and SEN support for learners. The exceptional nature of BSU’s teaching provision is also noted in the report, acknowledging how attention to detail and a focus on equality enables adult learners to operate at the same level as full-time students.
Touching on the report and its findings, Vice-Chancellor Professor Georgina Andrews said:
“We’re incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at BSU to upskill and enable adult learners across the South West, so to see this extraordinary provision recognised as outstanding’ by Ofsted is incredibly rewarding.
Our Short Course Unit and Inclusive Communities teams support and empower learners, communities and businesses across the region. It’s wonderful to see the ‘highly supportive and welcoming environment’ recognised, alongside the ‘exceptional’ and ‘highly impactful’ provisions provided with it.
This recognition is a testament to the Short Course Unit and Inclusive Communities teams within BSU’s Centre for Innovation and Knowledge Exchange who have worked tirelessly to ensure our provision is of the highest possible standard. This standard runs across all of our Short Courses and Adult Skills work and we pride ourselves in delivering an Outstanding service across all of our work.”
Skills Bootcamps open the door to a range of new and exciting opportunities in subjects including Project Management, AI and Data Analysis, without any prior knowledge. These fully funded courses provide learners with the skills and knowledge identified by employers and offer pathways to employment alongside upskilling of employees in the most up to date industry focused skills.
The Inclusive Communities team, in partnership with Arts Organisation and CIC Little Lost Robot, supports and empowers individuals from structurally disadvantaged communities to access and engage in creative and cultural activities, skills development and education through region-wide partnerships.
Through these partnerships, the Inclusive Communities team has developed accessible, community-led creative spaces in Bath, the Somer Valley and West of England wide.
Collaboration with local Industry and communities is key to our success, including employers as part of an Employer Advisory Groups co-designing curriculum that meets the current needs of leaners and businesses. If you would like to discuss how you can work with us to continue providing outstanding skills provision please contact us on shortcourses@bathspa.ac.uk