We’re proud to share that Heart of England Training (HOET) has once again been awarded the Matrix Standard – a nationally recognised quality mark for organisations delivering Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG). This achievement reflects the consistency of our approach and the standards we hold ourselves to, and it marks over 20 years of maintaining Matrix accreditation.
Our latest review assessment confirmed that the Matrix Standard has been met, with accreditation running until 20 October 2028.
Why the Matrix Standard matters
For learners, employers, schools and partners, choosing a training provider is about trust. The Matrix Standard looks closely at how organisations provide IAG and careers support, ensuring guidance is impartial, accessible, and built around the needs of the people using it. The Matrix Standard is delivered by The Growth Company on behalf of the Department for Education, with assessments based on interviews and evidence review.
A learner-centred approach across every programme
HOET are a national independent training provider established in 1971, operating seven Academy sites across Rugby, Daventry, Peterborough, Birmingham, Leicester and Warwick and delivering a broad curriculum that includes apprenticeships, 16–19 Programmes of Study, pre-16 provision with schools, and full-cost commercial training.
The assessment highlighted how our IAG and Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) sits at the heart of each learner’s journey, revisited at key “pinch-points” to make sure plans stay realistic, informed and achievable. Supported by strong onboarding and initial assessment, including detailed diagnostics to understand a learner’s starting point and identify where targeted support will make the biggest difference.
SEND and inclusion: support that is personal, not generic
One area we’re especially pleased to see recognised is our commitment to SEND support and inclusive practice. The review noted a welcoming, community-focused culture where equity and inclusion are embedded across the organisation, and where SEND and additional learning needs are treated as a priority.
We work closely with Local Education Authorities (LEAs) to support learners with SEND, including those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), ensuring transitions into post-16 education, training and employment are well coordinated.
Our team includes SEND-qualified colleagues who provide individual IAG, and our approach is strengthened through the Discovery Programme—a supportive process designed to identify needs early and build a bespoke plan with learners, families and employers where appropriate.
Safeguarding, wellbeing and wraparound care
Feeling safe is fundamental to learning and progression. The assessment recognised our robust safeguarding approach and the fact that learners and staff interviewed reported feeling safe and supported, including in academies and online. It also noted that learner wellbeing is treated as a strategic priority, with adjustments made where needed so individuals can stay engaged and make progress.
Strong employer partnerships and meaningful progression
Our work doesn’t happen in isolation. HOET collaborates closely with employers and partners to shape curriculum design, align provision with regional workforce needs, and secure meaningful work placements for learners on Programmes of Study.
The report also highlighted that employers are highly engaged in programme content and value the clarity and support they receive throughout onboarding and delivery.
For apprentices, that means structured learning journeys, clear progression pathways and a strong focus on future opportunities. The assessment referenced positive learner outcomes, including confidence, employability skills and resilience developed through supportive IAG and CEIAG.
Listening, learning and improving – what we’ll do next
We’re proud of the strengths recognised, but we also welcome the development suggestions offered in the spirit of continuous improvement. These included ideas such as:
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strengthening strategic curriculum planning at a senior level,
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enhancing CEIAG qualification opportunities for specialist staff,
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exploring additional peer-support opportunities for apprentices, and
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using impact reporting to inform ongoing SEND strategy.
This is exactly how we work: reflect, improve, and keep raising the bar.
If you’d like to read the full report, please do so here: HOET 2025 matrix report
Thank you to our community
Maintaining the Matrix Standard for over 20 years is a real team effort—and it reflects the trust placed in us by our learners, employers, schools and partners. If you’d like to find out more about our apprenticeships, 16–19 Programmes of Study, or our IAG and SEND support, we’d love to talk.
Explore your options with Heart of England Training and take the next step with confidence.
