Bishop Fleming is celebrating triple Apprenticeship success after receiving an Outstanding rating from Ofsted’s first full inspection of its apprenticeship provision, along with a string of other accolades.
The leading audit, accountancy, tax, and advisory firm received its first full inspection in July and is one of only 18 employer providers to have achieved Outstanding status so far in 2024 and only the second Accountancy firm in the UK.
Ofsted inspectors praised the firm’s programme, awarding Outstanding grades across all key areas: the quality of education, personal development, behaviours and attitudes, leadership and management, and apprenticeships. The programme was recognised for offering diverse business experiences, personalised coaching, and strong mentoring support that equips apprentices for long-term success.
Partner and Chief People Officer Anna Averis said:
“This recognition highlights the strength of our apprenticeship programme, which plays a vital role in our firm’s growth. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of talent across Gloucestershire and the wider region, and this Ofsted rating is a testament to the hard work of our team and apprentices.”
In addition to the Ofsted success, Bishop Fleming has been named one of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers for 2024, rising to 27th place. The firm is now the highest-ranked South-West-headquartered professional services business on the list, which recognises employers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to apprenticeships, diversity, and career development.
Bishop Fleming’s apprenticeship programme is continuing to grow, with the firm welcoming a record 75 new apprentices this year, including 8 in Worcester. This intake includes university graduates, school leavers, and placement students and marks the fifth consecutive year of growth in apprentice recruitment. The new apprentices will be spread across the firm’s eight regional offices, as they embark on professional qualifications and begin their careers with the firm.
Managing Partner Andrew Sandiford added:
“”To be rated Outstanding by Ofsted and recognised alongside some major employers in the country such as the British Army, BT and Amazon is a fantastic achievement for our business.
Our apprenticeship programme is key to attracting new talent and developing future leaders across our offices in Worcester, the South-West, and beyond. We encourage anyone interested in a rewarding career with us to consider applying to our 2025 intake.”
Anna added:
“Our apprentice programme enables us to offer a variety of routes into a rewarding career in accounting. And as a responsible business, our scheme, together with our commitment to a range of initiatives focused on achieving greater diversity in our workforce and our wider social mobility strategy, is focused on achieving greater diversity in our workforce, whilst improving the many routes available into a career in our business to as many young people as possible.”
With its commitment to investing in new talent, Bishop Fleming is actively recruiting for its 2025 apprenticeship intake. The firm offers a range of entry routes, including Level 7 Chartered Accountancy apprenticeships, providing opportunities for school leavers, graduates, and career changers to develop valuable skills and qualifications in a dynamic professional environment.
The firm’s success extends beyond its apprenticeship programme. Bishop Fleming has been shortlisted for four prestigious awards at the upcoming Accounting Excellence Awards, including Employer of the Year. This follows another year of double-digit revenue growth, with the firm’s turnover reaching over £43 million for the year ending 31 May 2024.
To explore apprenticeship opportunities and find out more about Bishop Fleming’s services, visit www.bishopfleming.co.uk.
The full Ofsted report can be found at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/30/2643281