As part of our continuous improvement cycle, Zenith Training undertook a comprehensive internal review, affectionately dubbed ‘Mocksted’, across a week in June 2025. This exercise aimed to mirror the rigour and depth of an Ofsted inspection, giving our team, learners, and partners the opportunity to evaluate and celebrate what’s working well.
The review covered all provision types currently delivered by Zenith, including Apprenticeships, Skills Bootcamps, and Adult Skills Fund programmes. Activities during the week included:
This immersive process ensures all voices were heard and that feedback was both holistic and honest.
Quality of Education
The quality of curriculum design and delivery emerged as a major strength. Training programmes across all streams were praised for their strong alignment to job roles and employer needs. Sessions were reported to be well-structured, contextually rich, and delivered by knowledgeable and adaptive trainers.
A particularly positive feature was how foundational skills, such as English and Maths, are embedded into practical learning. Cited examples included contextualised functional maths within payroll training and English within workplace communication.
Behaviour and Attitudes
Zenith learners were described as highly motivated, respectful, and engaged. The learning environment was consistently characterised as inclusive and positive, supported by clear behaviour expectations and responsive support systems.
Low learner attrition and high levels of satisfaction echoed through multiple channels of feedback.
Personal Development
This area stood out as a beacon of strength, particularly due to the embedding of career advice, wellbeing, and equality principles within teaching. Learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with additional needs were found to be well-supported through tailored provision.
Leadership and Management
Leadership was praised for its strategic alignment with local and national skills agendas. Internal quality assurance processes were found to be robust and transparent, with a strong commitment to staff development and continuous improvement.
Staff motivation was evident throughout, and a shared culture of integrity and trust was highlighted repeatedly in feedback.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding at Zenith is clearly a strength, underpinned by effective leadership, regular audits, and strong staff awareness. Delivery methods were diverse and included OneFile prompts, team discussions and quizzes. Links with local authorities and Prevent boards were also noted as a key asset.
The internal Mocksted concluded that Zenith Training is a well-led, learner-focused organisation that delivers consistently strong programmes responsive to both employer and regional needs.
There is a clear culture of high standards and continuous improvement, driven by a reflective, open, and committed workforce. The review highlighted a strong sense of purpose across the organisation, with a shared commitment to learner success and impactful outcomes.