Inspire Education Group Ranked in Top 10% of UK GFE Colleges

Inspire Education Group (IEG), which includes Peterborough College and Stamford College, is celebrating another year of strong national performance in the National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTS), securing its position once again among the top-performing Further Education colleges in the country.

IEG has ranked:

• 16th nationally for 16–18-year-old learners on study programmes at General Further Education (GFE) Colleges, meaning IEG’s largest student cohort is among the top 10% of colleges across England.
• 25th out of 156 GFE Colleges nationally for all age groups on education and training programmes, placing the group in the top 20% for the second consecutive year.
• 3rd out of 156 colleges for 16–18-year-olds studying Level 2 programmes.
• Top 20% nationally for high-grade (4–9) achievement rates in GCSE English, demonstrating strong academic outcomes for learners aiming to progress.
• 10% increase in apprenticeship achievement rates, reflecting IEG’s commitment to improving outcomes and supporting learners in work-based training route.

These results reflect IEG’s commitment to delivering inclusive, high-quality education, supporting every learner to achieve their potential. The group’s focus on ambitious, skills-led provision continues to ensure that local businesses benefit from a workforce equipped with the right skills and knowledge.

IEG’s success is particularly notable in supporting vulnerable learners:

• Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (LLDD): 87.9% achievement rate (5.4% above the national average).
• Learners from minority ethnic backgrounds: 87.6% achievement rate (1.6% above the national average).
• Learners eligible for free school meals: 86.7% achievement rate (1.9% above the national average).

These outcomes demonstrate IEG’s ability to combine achievement with inclusion, a key element of the group’s strategy to support both learners and the wider community.

The group has also achieved national recognition across key subject areas:

• Language, Literature and Culture: 1st nationally
• Science and Mathematics: Top 5 nationally
• History, Philosophy and Theology: Top 5 nationally
• Arts, Media and Publishing: Top 10–20% nationally
• Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies: Top 20% nationally

These strong subject results ensure that IEG remains responsive to local economic needs, preparing students for roles across priority sectors. With the upcoming launch of the Centre for Green Technology (CGT) at Peterborough College, the group is further strengthening its ability to provide the skills required for the future workforce, particularly in green industries.

“These results reflect a determined group-wide commitment to purposeful, inclusive education, equipping every learner with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to thrive in life and work. Congratulations to all students and staff who made these results possible.” - Julia Bates, Chief Curriculum Officer at Inspire Education Group.