Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted in both 2019 and 2025, the British Academy of Jewellery continues to deliver high-quality, industry-focused education that equips our learners with the practical skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Our commitment to providing excellence in jewellery education has been reaffirmed by Ofsted, who highlighted the exceptional progress made by our learners and apprentices in the Jewellery Further Education faction.
As Ofsted states:
“Learners and apprentices enjoy their courses and are motivated to do well. They show determination even when they find aspects of their studies challenging, such as using computer-aided design software to produce technical drawings. Tutors offer them helpful additional sessions that reinforce learners’ and apprentices’ skills and help them to complete their assessments.”
From mastering CAD software to creating intricate silver-domed pendants, our learners excel through a hands-on, carefully sequenced curriculum that builds practical skills and industry knowledge.
Expert Tutors Bring Substantial Industry Experience to the Classroom
Our learners’ success is a direct result of the dedication and expertise of our tutors, who bring substantial industry experience to the classroom. As Ofsted noted: “Tutors are knowledgeable, highly skilled and have substantial industry experience… As a result, learners and apprentices gain a thorough grounding in the principles and practices of jewellery design and manufacture.”
Clear Progression from Level 3 to Higher Education and Industry Success
“Leaders have developed a very clear strategy that provides progression routes from Level 3 to higher education study and employment in the niche areas of jewellery design and manufacture. Leaders and staff share a passion to preserve the specific technical skills that are needed in the jewellery industry.”
Industry Contacts Help Learners Take Confident Steps Toward Career Success
“Most learners and apprentices benefit from good careers advice and guidance. Staff use helpful resources and teach employment workshops that include producing a CV, writing a job application, and applying for a job. Tutors share their contacts and ideas for pursuing work readily.”
Leadership and Governance Provide Oversight and Scrutiny for BAJ’s Success
“Leaders have established suitable governance arrangements. The senior management team provides effective oversight and scrutiny of their provision. They have considered a suitable range of performance information to inform staff training and improvement actions. For example, having identified low apprenticeship retention rates, leaders have acted to improve communication and work more closely with employers before recruiting apprentices. This has resulted in improved retention in the latest cohort.”
As our Vice Principal, Claire O’Leary puts it:
“At BAJ, we’re not just teaching a craft – we’re preparing the next generation of jewellery professionals for real-world challenges. We provide programmes to respond to industry needs, ensuring that our learners are not just ready for the future – they’re shaping it.”
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