Delivering Quality Training &

Apprenticeships for over 26 years

Helping businesses and learners to achieve excellence through quality education.

Straight A Training strive to support employers and learners with their training and apprenticeship needs, providing advice and guidance to ensure the best for their business and an individual’s social mobility and career progression.

Apprenticeship Standards Apprenticeships Explained

Group of female students working together on a computer

We offer expertise

in a diverse range of sectors

Straight A Training are an independent, nationwide Apprenticeship Training Provider, rated as 'Good' by Ofsted in 2025. We specialise in the following sectors: Facilities Management, Hospitality and Catering, Human Resources, Learning and Development, Leadership and Management, Marketing, Retail and Safeguarding. We also provide a wide range of bespoke courses for employers based on their individual needs.

One of our main skills

we achieve and succeed with experience

With an in-depth knowledge of funding and a range of partners, Straight A can help employers to identify learning needs and then deliver cost effective, and funded or bespoke, learning. Straight A can also help individuals to access apprenticeship vacancies and qualifications through our employer partnerships. Learners have the reassurance of knowing that they are in safe hands from that very first contact, right through to achieving a full qualification and gaining the knowledge and experience to support their existing career paths or embark on a new and exciting journey.

In 2025 Straight A Training achieved a grade 2 GOOD by Ofsted; with Outstanding recognition for Behaviours and Attitudes. The inspection report provides evidence of the effective provision delivered by Straight A. Key quotes from the report include:

"Leaders provide high-quality training that gives apprentices clear progression routes into careers. A significant majority of apprentices gain additional responsibilities or promotion on completion of their
apprenticeship."
"Apprentices apply what they have learned fluently in the workplace.”
"The standard of work apprentices produce is at the level expected or higher and improves over the course of their training.”
“Tutors adapt training thoughtfully and put effective support in place to help apprentices with additional learning needs."
"Leaders and staff have productive relationships with employers that benefit apprentices’ training."

The 2025 Ofsted report can be viewed by clicking here.

Started in 1999 by Jayne Raftery and Mathew Nutt, who are still actively involved in all aspects of the business, Straight A has grown robustly and consistently and today has a multi-cultural team of dedicated tutors helping learners achieve qualifications in a range of sectors and occupations as defined by the apprenticeship standards.

Working with a variety of businesses ranging from high profile market leaders to start ups and small businesses, the team strive to share their expertise and ensure that every learner benefits from one-to-one guidance to achieve their qualifications, whatever stage of their career they may be at.

2025

2025 - Ofsted Grade 2 rated Good 2023 - Matrix Standard Reaccredited

Years of providing quality training

65 %

Of apprentices achieve a distinction

73 %

Of apprentices rated us 9/10 or 10/10 for their overall experience in 2022

Years is the average staff retention of Straight A Training tutors

Different apprenticeship standards are offered with experience and expertise

Shangri-La The Shard London - Approved by Sherry

Ashley MacKinnon

Facilities Management Supervisor Level 3 Apprentice

Arsenal Football Club

I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship, it has helped me see that even though I work in a niche environment most of the skills I use day to day are extremely transferable. This has helped me feel more confident in owning the managers position I was promoted to during my time on the course.

I found it very beneficial working alongside my cohort, seeing people in completely different industries struggling with the same day to day issues was reassuring and was helpful to see how others managed. My tutor was amazing; over the 18 months I feel that we developed a good rapport which meant I felt comfortable to be open when I was struggling with topics. I always felt supported and feel my tutor was genuinely invested in my success in passing the course. I would recommend an apprenticeship to everyone and look forward to signing up to the next level.

Victor Veloso

Hospitality Manager Level 4 Apprentice

Birchgrove

Doing an apprenticeship with Straight A Training has been massively enjoyable. I had access to all of the correct materials and guidance throughout, and I had constant support from my tutor, especially during the final stages of the course.

My apprenticeship has not only taught me new skills that I will use in my career but also re-affirmed skills I already have. I recommend Straight A Training for anyone thinking about bettering themselves.

Carly Pinnick

Learning & Development Consultant Business partner Level 5 Apprentice

MidKent College

Completing the Learning and Development apprenticeship has been a transformative experience. The comprehensive curriculum provided me with practical skills and in-depth knowledge, empowering me to effectively support and enhance workplace learning. The mentorship and hands-on projects helped bridge theory with real-world applications, boosting my confidence and career readiness. I am now well-equipped to foster growth and drive success in my organisation. I highly recommend this apprenticeship, and Straight A Training, to anyone eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of learning and development.

Sofia Martorana

Marketing Assistant Level 3 Apprentice

Clarion Housing Group

My experience with Straight A Training throughout my Marketing Assistant apprenticeship has been incredibly rewarding. The programme was both enjoyable and challenging, pushing me to develop my skills and grow professionally.

My tutors have always been so supportive, providing invaluable guidance and encouragement every step of the way. The training was highly beneficial, equipping me with the knowledge and confidence to excel in my marketing career. I’m truly grateful for their expertise and would highly recommend Straight A Training to anyone considering an apprenticeship.

Eleanor Kirk

Events Assistant Level 3 Apprentice

The University of London

My apprenticeship journey with Straight A has been excellent. My tutor, Enza, has been absolutely fantastic, providing unwavering support throughout the whole of my Level 3 Event Assistant Apprenticeship. She has consistently encouraged me to excel in my assignments, and we have engaged in thought-provoking discussions that have greatly enhanced my knowledge and understanding of the events industry.

Lucy Lee

Marketing Assistant Level 3 Apprentice

The Progress Group

I had a fantastic experience completing my Marketing Assistant L3 apprenticeship with Straight A Training. The apprenticeship complemented the hands-on work I was doing in my role, which really helped reinforce the learning and build my confidence over time.

The course covered all aspects of marketing theory, from understanding audiences and developing strategies, to using digital tools and evaluating campaign performance. It gave me a strong, well-rounded foundation and a much clearer understanding of how marketing works in practice.

Holly was incredibly approachable, encouraging, and always available to answer questions or offer guidance. The programme struck the perfect balance between independent learning and structured support, making it easy to balance my learning alongside work commitments. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole journey and would highly recommend Straight A Training to anyone looking to grow in marketing through an apprenticeship.

Sneha Sadasivan

Learning and Development Practitioner Level 3 Apprentice

Colchester City Council

Embarking on the Level 3 Learning and Development Practitioner apprenticeship has been a rewarding experience. When I started, I had a passion for helping others grow but lacked the confidence and structure to turn that passion into a profession. Over the past year, this programme has not only equipped me with the tools and knowledge to design and deliver impactful learning experiences, but it has also helped me grow in ways I never expected.

Thanks to the unwavering support of my tutor and the clear, well-structured guidance throughout the course, I’ve developed both professionally and personally.

I now feel confident in my ability to influence learning strategies, support colleagues, and contribute meaningfully to organisational development. This apprenticeship has truly been a turning point in my career.

Josh Taylor-Walters

Hospitality Manager Level 4 Apprentice

Lyce Crewe Theatre

I would like to thank Straight A Training for their wonderful, supportive help through out my apprenticeship programme. At the beginning of the programme, I was shy, I didn't believe in myself, and didn't think I was good enough for the programme. However, my incredibly kind tutor changed all of that mindset and made me strive within the programme, coming out with an overall distinction at the end.

This programme has changed my life - and I will never stop being grateful to my tutor and Straight A Training.

Katie Quantrell

Event Assistant Level 3 Apprentice

Bale's Buddies Dog Therapy

I am currently completing the Event Assistant level 3 apprenticeship with Straight A. My tutor has been nothing but helpful and dedicated to helping me complete my assignments and tasks. Straight A have made working and learning on the job simple and easy. I have thoroughly enjoyed working towards my Event Assistant apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships for over 26 years

Helping businesses and learners to achieve excellence through quality education.

in a diverse range of sectors

Facilities Management

Hospitality & Catering

Human Resources

Leadership and Management

Learning & Development

Marketing

Retail

Safeguarding