Kingdom Academy has successfully retained the matrix Standard following an independent accreditation review that highlighted the organisation’s learner support, employer partnerships, inclusive culture and commitment to continuous improvement.
The matrix Standard is the national quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance services. As part of the review process, assessors interviewed staff, learners and employer partners, reviewed policies and performance data, and examined how information, advice and guidance is delivered throughout the learner journey.
The assessment identified a number of areas working particularly well across the organisation, including learner support, partnerships with employers, support for learners with additional learning needs and Kingdom Academy’s ability to maintain a supportive culture whilst continuing to grow.
Growth without losing what matters
Since joining the Kingdom Group, Kingdom Academy has experienced significant growth, expanding its apprenticeship and commercial training provision across the housing sector and beyond.
The assessment recognised the organisation’s ambition and the progress made in strengthening its position within the sector. The report notes Kingdom Academy’s focus on growth built around scalability, sustainability and profitability, alongside its ambition to become “best in class” for the housing industry.
Importantly, the assessor highlighted the organisation’s ability to sustain a supportive culture alongside this growth, recognising the positive experience reported by both staff and learners.
Learner support recognised as a key strength
A recurring theme throughout the assessment was the support learners receive throughout their apprenticeship journey.
The report highlights the role of Kingdom Academy’s Skills Coaches, who work alongside learners to review progress, discuss goals, address barriers to learning and support wellbeing. Learners described these meetings as valuable, supportive and a safe space to discuss challenges and development opportunities.
The assessment also recognised the positive impact this support has on learner outcomes. Learners reported increased confidence, improved communication skills and greater willingness to pursue career development opportunities, while over half of survey respondents reported gaining additional responsibilities or promotion as a result of their apprenticeship.
Kingdom Academy’s achievement rate of 75% was also highlighted, exceeding the national average of 62%.
Support for additional learning needs praised
One of the strongest areas identified within the assessment was the support available for learners with additional learning needs.
The report describes an open culture where support needs are identified early and personalised support plans are developed to help learners succeed. Learners interviewed during the assessment spoke positively about the support they received, describing it as learner-led, practical and effective.
This area was recognised as a particular strength by the assessor, who noted the positive impact the support is having on learners both academically and personally. Employers also highlighted this support as a key differentiator for Kingdom Academy.
Strong partnerships with employers
The assessment also recognised the strength of Kingdom Academy’s relationships with employers across the housing sector.
Employer partners described the organisation as responsive, supportive and willing to work collaboratively to solve challenges. The report highlights the trust employers place in Kingdom Academy and the value they place on the personal level of support provided to both learners and organisations.
The assessor identified these partnerships as a particular strength, recognising the shared commitment between Kingdom Academy and its employer partners to supporting professional development across the sector.
Proud of the progress being made
Reflecting on the assessment, Sara Roberts, Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Academy, said:
“We were particularly pleased to see the report recognise not only the quality of support our learners receive, but also the culture that sits behind it. As we’ve grown, we’ve remained focused on building an organisation that is scalable, sustainable and profitable without losing sight of the learner experience.”
“Our ambition has always been to become best in class for the housing sector. That means investing in our people, strengthening our partnerships and ensuring every learner receives the support they need to succeed. This report reflects the hard work of an incredible team who are committed to making that happen every day.”
Continuing to build on strong foundations
Alongside recognising strengths, the assessment also identified opportunities for further development, which Kingdom Academy will continue to incorporate into its ongoing quality improvement planning.
For the organisation, the outcome provides independent recognition of the progress made over recent years while reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality learning experiences that support both learners and employers. Get in touch if you are an organisation that is looking for a training provider to help your workforce development plans.