The Growth Academy, part of The Skills and Business Hub, has been recognised by Ofsted for the quality and impact of its Skills Bootcamp programmes which help entrepreneurs and business owners across Berkshire and the wider region develop the skills needed to grow and succeed. Inspectors awarded a Strong Standard in achievement, highlighting high learner outcomes, effective leadership and training that responds directly to business needs.
The Skills and Business Hub work from class room to boardroom to support growth in the Berkshire economy. Delivered alongside the Berkshire Growth Hub, The Growth Academy was established to address a challenge faced by many entrepreneurs and small business owners: having expertise in a product or service does not automatically provide the commercial, sales and leadership skills needed to build a successful business.
The inspection found that learners develop substantial new skills and knowledge which they can apply directly within their businesses. Inspectors highlighted increased confidence, improved sales performance and the development of high quality business strategies that help learners strengthen and expand their enterprises. Almost all learners complete their training and use their enhanced skills to secure new business opportunities.
Ofsted also praised the organisation’s understanding of Berkshire’s skills priorities and its ability to respond quickly to emerging business needs, including the introduction of its Artificial Intelligence for Business Skills Bootcamp. Inspectors noted the highly supportive learning environment, where learners build valuable professional networks that often continue beyond the programme itself.
The findings reinforce the vital role that skills development plays in improving productivity, supporting entrepreneurship, and strengthening Berkshire’s economy.
Steve Bulley, Head of Business Support Services and The Growth Academy said:
This recognition reflects the real impact The Growth Academy is having on businesses across Berkshire. By providing practical skills, expert support, and valuable business networks, we are helping businesses and business owners to build confidence, improve productivity, and unlock growth.
Alison Webster, Chief Executive of The Skills and Business Hub said:
The Ofsted findings are a testament to the quality of our programmes and the ambition of the business owners who take part. We are proud of what has been achieved and excited about the opportunity to support even more businesses in the future. The Skills and Business Hub welcome the findings and will continue collaborating with our partners across Berkshire and the wider region to ensure local businesses can access the skills, training and support needed to drive innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth.
The Growth Academy is part of The Skills and Business Hub, a Berkshire based not-for-profit organisation supporting businesses across Berkshire and the surrounding counties. Ofsted judged The Growth Academy’s adult learning programmes to be operating at a Strong Standard in Achievement, Expected in Inclusion, Curriculum, Teaching, Leadership and Governance, with safeguarding standards fully met. At the time of inspection, 37 learners were participating in Skills Bootcamp programmes focused on sales and artificial intelligence for business.
