The Fashion Technology Academy’s (FTA) Interim Quality Report for 2025/26, highlights exceptional learner retention, positive progression outcomes and significant improvements in teaching quality, governance and learner support.
Despite operating with a smaller cohort due to reduced funding, the Academy has achieved an impressive 98.81% learner retention rate, representing a 2% increase on the previous academic year. The results reflect the dedication of tutors, technicians and support staff, who continue to provide personalised guidance to help learners successfully complete their programmes.
Positive learner experience
Learner feedback continues to demonstrate high levels of satisfaction across the Academy. The 2025/26 Induction Survey found that 98% of learners rated their induction as Outstanding, with students praising the welcoming environment, clear information and the support provided from day one.
Learners also reported increased confidence and enjoyment throughout their studies. One learner described how they “love the course, the people, and the space,” while another said the programme had helped them become “more confident” in their skills and abilities.
Students progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 highlighted the opportunity to develop more advanced technical skills, describing the higher-level programme as both challenging and rewarding.
The Academy has also acted quickly on learner feedback by introducing enhanced careers guidance, clearer assessment workbooks, more detailed learning materials and additional Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teaching staff, ensuring continuous improvement across all programmes.
Strong progression and employer engagement
Destination outcomes remain a key strength for the Academy. Among adult learners with known destinations, 91% progressed into positive outcomes, including employment, further learning and higher education.
Internal progression continues to be particularly successful, with 81% of adult learners choosing to continue their studies at the Fashion Technology Academy, demonstrating confidence in the quality and relevance of its curriculum.
Employer partnerships continue to grow, with organisations including Dunelm, EvaChair, Encocam and Silent Blinds expressing interest in the Academy’s Level 2 Sewing Apprenticeship programme. Two employers are expected to begin recruiting apprentices for September.
The Academy also celebrated outstanding apprenticeship success, with all six Level 4 Product Technologist apprentices from NEXT completing their programme on time and achieving Distinction grades.
Investment in teaching quality
Teaching quality remains central to the Academy’s strategy. Since the previous academic year, significant investment has been made in quality assurance, tutor development and classroom observation.
Every tutor receives regular lesson observations, feedback and CPD, while new teachers benefit from mentoring and structured support to develop teaching techniques, questioning skills and learner engagement.
Following learner feedback, additional CPD from September will focus on lesson planning, assessment feedback and supporting learners with mixed abilities.
The Academy has also expanded its work with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) providers, collaborating with Green Coat School, The Bridge SEN School and New River College Medical. These partnerships are helping tutors develop more inclusive teaching practices while improving accessibility and learner outcomes.
Responding positively to Ofsted
Following its Ofsted inspection in November 2025, the Academy has taken decisive action to strengthen governance and quality assurance.
A new Board of Non-Executive Directors has been established, bringing together expertise from education, fashion, sustainability and apprenticeships. Quarterly quality reviews now provide enhanced scrutiny of curriculum, teaching and learner outcomes.
Learner surveys have also been redesigned to provide more detailed insight into teaching, learning and assessment, enabling leaders to identify priorities for improvement and respond quickly to student feedback.
Expanding opportunities
Alongside its core education programmes, the Academy continues to broaden its impact through a range of funded projects and industry initiatives.
Recent successes include the completion of Skills Bootcamp Wave 6 in Leicester, supporting 42 learners, while a further funding application has been submitted for Wave 7.
The Genuine Fund has supported more than 80 adult learners throughout the year, helping widen access to fashion education for Levels 1 and 2 learners.
New projects include a Breast Cancer Awareness programme in Leicester, specialist tailoring courses, Eventbrite short courses and the internationally recognised Factory Uncovered CPPD programme, which continues to attract visitors from across the UK and overseas.
The Interim Quality Report demonstrates an Academy that continues to improve despite challenging funding conditions. Strong learner retention, positive progression, responsive teaching and strengthened governance position the Fashion Technology Academy well for the future as it continues to develop the skilled workforce needed by the UK fashion and textile industry.
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway said: “I am delighted to see the Interim Quality Report from our head of department Lan Leeder who has worked with the tutors on an amazing CPPD program. We are delighted to have Kurt Hines, as a NED advisor for our Fashion Technology Academy and he’s been brilliant! We now have a new quality assurance monitoring system which has been highlighted in this article. I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done in SEND provision which is included interaction with SEND schools, reviewing how we monitor the progress of SEND, eliminating internal and external barriers to learning and really focusing on the needs of our learners. We’re very proud with the results thank you to everybody’s involvement.”