Step8Up Academy is Now Ofsted-rated in its First-ever Ofsted ‘Monitoring’ Visit

In a challenging economy where job security is fragile, the digital skills gap is growing, and learners are seeking reliable, purposeful education — Step8Up is rising to the challenge. Not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them. Not just promising impact, but proving it.

We set out to create more than a training provider. We set out to create a movement — a place where adult learners could transform their futures, where employers could grow their teams affordably, and where education was both accessible and world-class. This Ofsted milestone confirms: we’re on the right path.

🏆 What Ofsted Assessed — And Why It Matters

Ofsted’s monitoring visit looked at three crucial areas:

1. Curriculum and Purpose: How well are Step8Up’s programmes designed and delivered? Are they relevant, clear, and aligned to real-world needs?
2. Learner Outcomes: Are learners gaining the skills and confidence to pursue job roles, career changes, and personal goals?
3. Safeguarding and Learner Welfare: Are learners supported, protected, and given a safe and structured learning environment?

Receiving a ‘reasonable progress’ outcome across all three — often considered equivalent to a ‘Good’ rating — is a major endorsement. It means we are doing the right things, in the right way, for the right reasons.

(These ratings are changing in 2025 due to the planned changes being announced by Ofsted).

What made this recognition even more special? We are a small organisation with a mighty mission, yet Ofsted commended us for having a Board of Governance structure that rivals larger institutions. This is a powerful validation of the care, strategy, and oversight we bring to everything we do.

“I was working as a proud delivery driver before (and even during) joining the Step8Up bootcamp. In just a few weeks, I built my first web app, learned Python, and landed a software apprenticeship. It’s changed everything — I finally feel like I have a career, not just a job.”

💥 Real Change, Real Stories, Real Results

The reason we do this work isn’t for the ratings — it’s for the learners and small businesses who benefit.

Our Skills Bootcamps have already created some life-changing journeys:

• A former Amazon delivery driver is now a software apprentice, thriving in a role they once thought was out of reach.
• Parents who had been out of work for years are now re-entering the job market, skilled and confident.
• Learners are becoming freelancers, coders, and data professionals, rebuilding careers from scratch.

Each learner is not just gaining skills. They’re gaining purpose, opportunity, and dignity. These are the kind of outcomes that lift families, communities, and industries.

“Step8Up’s training has completely raised the bar. The learners we’ve hired came in with real-world skills, confidence, and a growth mindset. It’s rare to find a programme that’s this aligned with what employers actually need — and with the funding support, it’s a no-brainer.”

💡 A Game-Changer for Employers Too

It’s not just individuals who benefit — employers do too.

Thanks to Department for Education funding, employers can upskill their teams at virtually no cost. Whether you’re a start-up needing full-stack developers, or a mid-sized firm ready to digitise operations, Step8Up provides high-quality, employer-relevant training that builds capability without draining your budget.

And because our programmes are BCS-accredited, you can be confident your staff are learning industry-grade skills that stick — from HTML5 and Python to Django, JavaScript, and AI. With CV support, interview preparation, and job placement built in, we’re not just teaching — we’re building futures.

A Continuous Journey of Growth

Ofsted will return in 18 months for a full inspection — just as the new inspection framework launches in 2025. We welcome this. We are not here to stay the same. We are here to improve, innovate, and inspire.

We are already expanding our support for learners with AI tools, enhanced career coaching, employer partnerships, and more. We know this is just the beginning.

“What makes Step8Up different is how learner-focused we are. We don’t just teach tech — we build confidence, job readiness, and real collaboration. Seeing learners go from zero to employed in 12 weeks never stops being inspiring.”

📣 Join the Movement – Let’s Build the Future Together

This is a huge moment — not just for us, but for our learners, partners, and every person who believes that education can unlock opportunity.

So we ask you:

• 📤 Know someone ready to change their life through tech? Share this article with them.
• 💼 Want to upskill your team with funded training? Book a call today. step8up.co.uk/together
• 🔍 Curious about our programmes? See the success stories, testimonials, and apply at step8up.co.uk/sbc

To the learners, employers, trainers, and local authorities like Hampshire County Council — thank you. Your belief fuels our mission.

Let’s take this momentum and keep climbing — together.

#Step8Up #OfstedSuccess #SkillsBootcamps #DigitalCareers #Upskilling #AdultEducation #GovernmentFundedTraining #LearningThatWorks #WorkforceDevelopment #UKJobs #InnovationInEducation #LevelUpWithStep8Up Step8up Academy (part of Step8Up Group UK)

Thank you to Dave Davies Renata Vincoletto, MSc, CISSP Sahreen Siddiqui Elena Angela David Boddy Pallavi Sahoo Jason Sammon Sri Sai Nikhith Vakulabharanam Sathana Senthil Aly Lalji Step8up Academy (part of Step8Up Group UK) Step8Up Group