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With Qualification Achievement Rates (QAR) being announced just last week by the Department for Education (DfE), training providers across the country will be checking their education data dashboard for one of the most anticipated metrics of the year. For many, the QAR is more than just a percentage; it’s a reflection of quality, accountability and most importantly, the impact they have on learners and businesses.
To shine some light on what a QAR really means, why it matters and how it influences apprentices and employers, we sat down with Laura Barber, our Director of Apprenticeships. Her insight helps outline the process and highlights why this metric plays a crucial role within the apprenticeship sector.
Simply put, the QAR measures how many learners who start their apprenticeship achieve it.
“It’s used by the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, potential learners, and employers. It shows how many learners who start on an apprenticeship with us go on to achieve that apprenticeship.”
This percentage figure becomes a key indicator when apprentices, parents and employers are deciding which training provider to choose. It shows the likelihood that an apprentice will not just complete their programme, but achieve a pass or higher – something that businesses, understandably, care deeply about.
Like any publicly funded service, apprenticeship provision must be accountable. That’s where the QAR comes in.
“Everyone that delivers apprenticeships has a QAR. It’s one of the quality indicators used by the DfE as part of the apprenticeship accountability framework, which they use to assess the quality of the provision we’re delivering. It’s essential that providers are held accountable when they spend taxpayers’ money. The public need to know we’re using the funds appropriately.”
A high QAR gives assurance that Government funding is being used effectively, teaching standards are strong, and learners are progressing as expected.
While there’s no strict cut-off point that instantly disqualifies a provider, the national averages matter. The current national average overall is 60.5%, with Independent Training Providers (ITPs) averaging 57.5%. Providers below national thresholds could face restrictions, which can include limitations on enrolling new apprentices. For a training provider, that can be devastating; for employers, it creates uncertainty; and for apprentices, it disrupts their learning journey.
This isn’t just a vanity metric for training providers. A high QAR shows the combined effort of expert trainers, robust internal processes, strong employer relationships and personalised learner support. “It shows that what is being done is good because learners are achieving.”
Laura also highlighted something many outside the industry don’t realise – training providers aren’t paid in full unless an apprentice completes their programme.
20% of the apprenticeship funding is held back until completion, but this isn’t an achievement payment. It’s released when the apprentice, employer and provider sign to confirm readiness for End Point Assessment (EPA).
This is where integrity matters. Some providers may push for early sign-off to release payment sooner – but the right training partner ensures everyone fully understands the EPA process, the learner’s readiness and the implications of signing.
A high QAR indicates that learners aren’t just being pushed through the system – they’re being supported to succeed. We are incredibly proud to announce our most recent QAR of 74.1%, which is a testament to the quality our team delivers to every apprentice and employer from day 1.
“It’s more important that we get our learners to achieve as high a final grade as is possible for that individual – the QAR is a byproduct of that. Our focus is on the learners and them achieving well and growing confidence.”
For us as a local East Midlands provider, our goal is to support regional employers, boost skills across the area and help apprentices progress into higher-level qualifications and long-term careers.
If you’re choosing a training provider, a high QAR should reassure you that:
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