League Football Education (LFE) has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, following an inspection in February.
Established in 2004 by the PFA and the EFL, LFE delivers the Apprenticeship Programme to 16-18-year-olds at EFL Clubs and places a focus on a player’s on and off the pitch development as it aims to leave them in the best possible position for their future, whether that be in the professional game or outside it.
In the report published today, LFE was judged to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, with inspectors stating that learners and apprentices “consistently demonstrate extremely positive attitudes towards their learning,” adding “they are highly enthusiastic and motivated to achieve” in what was described as a “calm and focused environment for learning.”
LFE works with 64 of the EFL’s Clubs to deliver the Level 3 Sporting Excellence Professional Apprenticeship Standard to 1,184 apprentices, as well as partnering with 13 EFL Club Community Trusts to provide the Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development programme to nearly 600 16-18-year-olds.
The educational programme has been specifically designed for elite athletes and is geared towards nationally recognised qualifications and consists of the following elements:
-
Sporting Excellence (Level 3)
-
BTEC Sporting Excellence and Performance (Level 3) *
-
Functional Skills (Level 2)
-
Certificate in Coaching (UEFA C)
Personal development and life skills are also a key focus, covering topics such as mental health and wellbeing, equality and diversity, finance, and social media.
LFE’s transition expertise was also highlighted with Ofsted noting the “learners and apprentices receive high quality specialised careers advice and guidance,” which inspectors said “prepares them extremely well for their futures” allowing them to “make informed decisions about their next steps.”
LFE Chief Executive, Sarah Stephen, said: “Once again, we are extremely proud that Ofsted have rated us ‘Outstanding’ in all areas, an achievement that confirms all our staff and stakeholders are committed to providing outstanding, tailored education programmes for all young people and go above and beyond in everything we do.”
