Beat the 0.7% Acceptance Rate and Secure an Elite Degree Apprenticeship in Months

Using a Proven Framework That Works.

Your child lands a £23,000+ role at top firms with no debt, no connections, no guesswork. Just our proven 3-step system trusted by hundreds of students.

Student Wins Inside Vanguards Academy

You’ve been told degree apprenticeships are impossible to obtain.

Our students proved otherwise – from rejection letters to multiple elite degree apprenticeship offers.

Sami helped me secure a £23K+ Wealth Management Degree Apprenticeship

Sami helped Duncan land paid PwC work experience

Sami helped Yashleen secure £25K KPMG Degree Apprenticeship offer

Sami helped Ronald land 4+ work experiences

How Sami helped Elliot secure 3 £30K+ Finance Degree Apprenticeship Offers!

Sami helped Tami land 4 paid work experiences

Helping Ankit land paid work experience

Testimonials from our Students

What Parents Need to Know

Your child's debt-free path to elite early careers

Your Complete Guide to Our Degree Apprenticeships Coaching Programs

Testimonials from Parents

Choose Your Path to Success

Three proven programs.
One clear goal: Your dream apprenticeship offer.

Feature Resources & Templates + Q&A Support Weekly Group Coaching Calls 1:1 Dedicated Mentor Support
Action One-Time Book Free Call Apply Now
Format Self-paced portal Group coaching 1:1 mentorship
Support Templates + Q&A Weekly calls Dedicated mentor
Timeline 3-6 months 8-12 weeks 4-8 weeks
Guarantee 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee Work-Until-You-Win Promise Work-Until-You-Win Promise
Learn More Learn More Learn More
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University vs. Degree Apprenticeship

The Traditional University Route vs. The Degree Apprentice Advantage

Traditional Uni Path

Degree Apprentice Path

But here’s the problem: Only 0.7% of applicants succeed. Why? They’re using outdated advice from teachers who’ve never seen the inside of a Fortune 500 assessment centre.

FAQs

What if I’ve already been rejected?

That’s exactly who this is for. We’ve helped students get into KPMG, Goldman Sachs, and PwC after 10–20+ rejections. The issue is usually strategy, not ability.

Fine. We show you how to join online programs, create mini-projects, and use outreach to get real experience. Many got offers without an in-person internship.

No. We help you explore finance, law, tech, consulting, and media, then match you to roles that fit your strengths and interests.

Many see results in 2–4 weeks. Some land interviews after the first CV sprint, others take a few months.

Yes. This works alongside UCAS so you have both options.

Why are apprenticeships such a good option?

Degree apprenticeships combine a fully-funded degree with a £20,000–£26,000 starting salary. Students graduate with 4+ years of work experience, no debt (vs. £53,000+ average university cost), and are on track for six-figure careers by their mid-20s. Top firms like PwC, Deloitte, Rolls-Royce, and BBC hire apprentices every year.

Very. Leading employers receive 100+ applications per role with success rates under 1% (0.7%). Without tailored support, most students face repeated rejections. Our programme gives them the insider strategies, CV frameworks, and interview prep needed to break through.

Yes. All delivery follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024), Prevent Duty, and the school’s safeguarding framework. Sessions are secure, recorded, and moderated. Every facilitator holds an enhanced DBS check.

Not at all. Every skill taught – CV writing, interview mastery, professional networking – directly benefits UCAS personal statements, university interviews, and future graduate job applications. Students keep all options open.

That’s normal. Apprenticeships aren’t about being “perfect” on day one. We build confidence step by step with structured lessons, live practice, and personalised feedback. No student is left behind – teachers can track progress, and students can rewatch sessions anytime.

Parents receive updates through school newsletters, and for premium mentoring, direct monthly progress reports are provided. You’ll always know where your child stands in the process.

Guarantee

Accelerator

7-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Offer-Ready Cohort

Work-Until-You-Win Promise

Signature Mentorship

Work-Until-You-Win Promise

Vanguards Academy Parent Pack

Welcome to Vanguards Academy

As a parent, you want the absolute best for your child’s future. You’re looking for opportunities that combine world-class education with real career prospects – without the burden of £53,000+ in student debt through the traditional university route.

That’s exactly why Vanguards Academy exists.

We are the UK’s premier degree apprenticeship preparation programme, specifically designed for ambitious 16-19 year olds who want to secure competitive positions at top-tier companies whilst earning a fully-funded degree. Built by an apprentice, for aspiring apprentices:

Our Mission

Why This Matters for Your Child

Getting into a top degree apprenticeship is harder than Oxbridge.

Firms like PwC, Deloitte, Rolls-Royce, and BAE Systems receive 100+ applications per place – and only 0.7% are accepted.

It’s not just about grades.

Your child needs to stand out – with a tailored CV, elite interview skills, insider application strategies, and real-world confidence.

That’s what we deliver.

The Vanguards Opportunity

With a Vanguards-guided degree apprenticeship, your child can unlock:

Here’s Why Vanguards Academy Is the UK’s Leading Degree Apprenticeship Platform

Meet Sami – Founder of Vanguards Academy

Sami’s Story:
Sami isn’t just another career coach – he’s walked the exact path your child wants to take.
Starting from a state school background, Sami secured a highly competitive Audit Degree Apprenticeship at KPMG, one of the world’s Big Four professional services firms.

Meet Sami – Founder of Vanguards Academy

What Parents Are Saying

Our Promise to Parents
We believe very bright student deserves the chance to reach their full potential – without the financial burden of traditional university.

What Students Are Saying

Student Success Stories:

What Schools Are Saying

School career advisors deeply appreciate our done-for-you apprenticeship support that reduces their workload whilst ensuring all Ofsted and student career requirements are met.

Our Three Apprenticeship Programs

Turn your students into successful apprenticeship applicants - with zero extra workload for your staff.

The Apprenticeship Accelerator

What is it?

This is our foundation program – a comprehensive online course that teaches your child everything they need to know about securing a degree apprenticeship. Think of it as a complete roadmap from start to finish.

What's included:

How it works:

Your child watches the video lessons at their own pace and implements what they learn independently. Every Thursday, they can join a live session to ask questions. Between sessions, they connect with other students in our private online community for peer support.

Level of support:

This is a self-directed program. We teach the strategies, but your child does the implementation. Perfect for independent, motivated students who just need the right guidance.

Time commitment:

The Offer-Ready Cohort

What is it?

An intensive 8-week group coaching program that transforms your child from applicant to offer-holder through structured support and accountability. Limited to just 20 students per cohort for quality attention.

What's included:

Everything from the Accelerator program (all videos and resources)

How it works:

Your child joins a cohort of 19 other ambitious students. For 8 intensive weeks, they attend live sessions, complete weekly assignments, and stay accountable through their WhatsApp pod. After the core 8 weeks, they continue receiving support through weekly office hours until they secure an offer.

Level of support:

High-touch group support with personal attention. Your child gets their actual applications reviewed, practices interviews with peers, and receives regular feedback. The peer pressure and accountability drive results.

Time commitment:

The Signature Apprenticeship Program

What is it?

Our premium 1-on-1 mentorship program. Your child works directly with an expert mentor until they secure their dream apprenticeship. Limited to just 10 students total to ensure quality.

What's included:

Everything from both previous programs
Biweekly 90-Minute Personal Sessions via Zoom
Unlimited WhatsApp Support (voice notes, document reviews)
Work-Until-You-Win Guarantee (support continues until offer secured)

How it works:

Every two weeks, your child has a personal 90-minute session where they literally build applications together with their mentor via screen-share. Between sessions, they can message anytime for feedback on drafts, interview prep, or motivation. Parents receive monthly updates on progress, challenges, and recommended support strategies.

Level of support:

This is concierge-level service. The mentor personally guides every application, practices every interview answer, and provides unlimited support between sessions. Nothing is left to chance.

Time commitment:

Social Proof & Public Recognition

Safeguarding & Communication

Safeguarding is embedded as a core, non-negotiable part of Vanguards Academy’s provision. We operate fully in line with:

How safeguarding is ensured:

1- Delivery environment

2- Staff / facilitator checks

3- Student interaction

4- Reporting & escalation

FAQs

Your Questions, Answered

Why are apprenticeships such a good option?

Degree apprenticeships combine a fully-funded degree with a £20,000–£26,000 starting salary. Students graduate with 4+ years of work experience, no debt (vs. £53,000+ average university cost), and are on track for six-figure careers by their mid-20s. Top firms like PwC, Deloitte, Rolls-Royce, and BBC hire apprentices every year.

Very. Leading employers receive 100+ applications per role with success rates under 1% (0.7%). Without tailored support, most students face repeated rejections. Our programme gives them the insider strategies, CV frameworks, and interview prep needed to break through.

Yes. All delivery follows Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024), Prevent Duty, and the school’s safeguarding framework. Sessions are secure, recorded, and moderated. Every facilitator holds an enhanced DBS check.

Not at all. Every skill taught – CV writing, interview mastery, professional networking – directly benefits UCAS personal statements, university interviews, and future graduate job applications. Students keep all options open.

That’s normal. Apprenticeships aren’t about being “perfect” on day one. We build confidence step by step with structured lessons, live practice, and personalised feedback. No student is left behind – teachers can track progress, and students can rewatch sessions anytime.

Parents receive updates through school newsletters, and for premium mentoring, direct monthly progress reports are provided. You’ll always know where your child stands in the process.

Next Steps

1- Discuss with your child which level of support would help them most

2- Consider their schedule and how much time they can dedicate

3- Book a consultation if you'd like to discuss the best fit

4- Enroll today - cohorts fill quickly and Signature has limited spots

Remember: The cost of these programs is a fraction of one year's university fees, but the return is a paid degree and guaranteed employment.

Vanguards Academy Ltd - Where Ambition Meets Opportunity

Registered in England & Wales | Company No. 16455472

What's Included Accelerator Collective Signature
Foundation
Core Video Training
Success Toolkit (8 bonuses)
Weekly Live Q&As
Group Support
8-Week Live Cohort
3x Weekly Group Sessions
WhatsApp Accountability
Personal Support
Dedicated 1:1 Mentor
Unlimited WhatsApp Access
Phone Support
Guarantees
30-Day Refund
Continued Support
100% Placement Guarantee
Best For
Best For Independent learners Structured support Guaranteed results
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The Apprenticeship Accelerator

Self-Paced Success Blueprint - £297 One-Time

Perfect for independent, motivated students who want proven tools – not hand-holding.

Core Training Program:

Your Success Toolkit (£1,295+ Value - Included FREE):

Total Value: £1,592 → Your Investment: £297

Timeline:

3-6 months (self-paced)

Guarantee:

7-day money-back guarantee

The Offer-Ready Collective

8-Week Live Intensive

Includes EVERYTHING in Accelerator PLUS:

Perfect for students who want expert feedback, structure, and accountability.

Live Group Coaching Program:

Collective-Exclusive Benefits:

Timeline:

8-12 weeks (structured program)

Guarantee:

Continued support until you succeed

The Signature Program

1:1 Personal Mentorship

Includes EVERYTHING from both previous programs PLUS:

For families who want guaranteed results with full expert partnership.

Your Personal Success Team:

Signature-Only Guarantees:

Timeline:

4-8 weeks (accelerated support)

Note:

Only 3 Signature slots available monthly

About Vanguards Academy

Vanguards Academy is the UK’s leading apprenticeship training platform — built specifically for ambitious 16–19-year-olds who want to beat the odds and secure elite degree apprenticeships.
We’re led by Sami Paul, a Big 4 degree apprentice who secured his offer at 18 — and has since helped thousands of students land paid roles at top firms like KPMG, JP Morgan, BBC, Google, Schroders, and PwC.
Unlike generic school advice or outdated government websites, Vanguards gives students the exact strategies, tools, and expert support used by successful candidates:
Whether you’re starting with zero experience or recovering from rejections, this system is built to take you from confused to confident – with a guaranteed plan to land an offer.

Our Programs

Unlike generic careers resources or time-consuming 1:1 guidance, Vanguards provides schools with a complete, automated system that delivers expert apprenticeship support at scale:

Privacy Policy

Vanguards Academy Ltd (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect personal information when you use our website, platform, and associated services.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

1.1 From Schools and Teachers

  • Name, role, school email address, and contact number
  • School name and demographic data

1.2 From Students

  • First name, last name, school email address, year group
  • Progress data (e.g., lesson completions, quiz scores, uploaded documents)
  • Platform engagement (e.g., logins, timestamps, tool usage)

1.3 From Parents or Guardians

  • Voluntarily submitted contact information (e.g., email)

1.4 Automatically Collected

  • IP address, browser type, device type, usage logs
  • Cookies and analytics data for performance monitoring

2. How We Use This Information

We use your data for the following purposes:

  • To provide access to our platform and services
  • To monitor and improve student progress
  • To issue usage reports for teachers and school leaders
  • To support safeguarding and user safety
  • To deliver support and customer service
  • To inform updates and improvements to our platform

We do not use personal data for advertising or sell it to third parties.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data based on:

  • Performance of a contract (e.g. service agreement with schools)
  • Legitimate interests (e.g. service improvement, educational analytics)
  • Consent (where required, e.g. parent emails or testimonials)
  • Legal obligations (e.g. safeguarding, data protection compliance)

4. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We may share data with trusted third parties to provide functionality and support, including:

  • Learning management tools (e.g. analytics, AI assistance)
  • Email delivery tools (for onboarding and updates)
  • Hosting providers and secure storage services

All vendors are GDPR-compliant and bound by strict confidentiality and security terms.

We never share student data with advertisers or unrelated third parties.

5. Data Retention

  • Student and teacher data is retained for the duration of the service agreement and up to 12 months after contract termination, unless earlier deletion is requested.
  • Aggregated, anonymised data may be retained for statistical analysis.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures, including:

  • SSL encryption
  • Secure data hosting on UK or EU-based servers
  • Role-based access control
  • Routine audits and monitoring

7. Your Rights (Under UK GDPR)

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal data
  • Correct or update inaccurate data
  • Request deletion (“right to be forgotten”)
  • Object to processing or request restriction
  • Lodge a complaint with the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office)

8. Children’s Data

Our services are designed for schools and students aged 13+. All student data is collected and managed in partnership with schools. We do not knowingly collect personal data directly from children without institutional or parental involvement.

9. Contact

For any data protection or privacy questions, contact our Data Protection Lead:

Sami Paul

Email: support@vanguardsacademy.com

Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of Vanguards Academy’s platform and services. By accessing our site or using our services, you agree to these Terms.

1. Use of Our Services

1.1 Eligibility

Our services are intended for use by UK secondary schools, educators, parents, and students aged 13+.

1.2 School Responsibility

By purchasing a license or accessing our platform, the school agrees to manage student access appropriately, ensure safeguarding measures are in place, and maintain accurate records.

1.3 Account Management

Schools and users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of login credentials and ensuring accounts are not shared or misused.

2. Intellectual Property

All platform content — including lessons, videos, templates, and tools — is the intellectual property of Vanguards Academy Ltd. You may not copy, distribute, or modify our materials without express written permission.

Licensed schools may use materials internally for the duration of their subscription.

3. Payment & Access

3.1 Subscription Fees

Access to the full platform is granted upon payment of the agreed annual license fee. All fees are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

3.2 Renewal & Termination

Subscriptions automatically expire at the end of the agreed period unless renewed. We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts for misuse or breach of these Terms.

4. Acceptable Use

Users must not:

  • Share platform access with unauthorised users
  • Upload harmful, illegal, or offensive content
  • Attempt to bypass security or misuse platform functionality

5. Limitation of Liability

Vanguards Academy provides educational support and tools but does not guarantee specific outcomes, such as job offers. While we take every measure to ensure accuracy and reliability, we are not liable for decisions made based on platform use.

6. Amendments

We may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of the platform after updates constitutes acceptance. We will notify account holders of any significant changes.

7. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved under the jurisdiction of UK courts.

8. Contact

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

Sami Paul

Email: support@vanguardsacademy.com

 

Teacher Implementation Guide

What We Need From You

1- Student List

2- Main Contact Teacher

What Happens Next

Within 24 hours:

Two Ways to Deliver: Choose What Works

1- Independent Learning (Recommended)

Self-paced with light supervision

Setup (One-time):

Monitoring (5 mins weekly):

Teacher Role: Encourage participation and celebrate wins

2- Careers Lesson Delivery

50-minute sessions, teacher-led, maximum impact

Setup (Week 1 only - 20 minutes):

Weekly Routine (50 minutes):

Teacher Role: Press play, facilitate discussion, promote careers learning

Year-Long Delivery Schedule

Year 12 Journey (Sept-July)

Year 13 Journey (Sept-March)

Module Teacher Delivery Guide

(Aligned to Gatsby Benchmarks + Ofsted)

Apprenticeship Program & Gatsby Benchmarks
Module / Theme Time Gatsby Benchmarks Intended Output Evidence for Ofsted/Gatsby
1. Apprenticeship Foundations 2 × 50 min BM 2, BM 7 LinkedIn profiles + 5 target employers Screenshots of student LinkedIn profiles; employer research sheets
2. Work Experience 3 × 50 min BM 5, BM 6 Work experience applications submitted Application tracker; confirmation emails; reflective logs
3. Finding Apprenticeships 2 × 50 min BM 2, BM 3 20+ apprenticeship opportunities identified Completed opportunity tracker; student presentations
4. Organisation & Tracking 1 × 50 min BM 3 Live application tracker in use Individual trackers with deadlines logged
5. CV Mastery 3 × 50 min BM 4, BM 8 Professional CV tailored to roles Final CVs uploaded; teacher review forms
6. Written Applications 2 × 50 min BM 4, BM 8 Real applications completed & submitted Cover letters; application answers; submission confirmations
7. Interview Skills 3 × 50 min BM 5, BM 8 Students interview-ready Mock interview recordings; peer/teacher feedback forms
8. Online Tests 2 × 50 min BM 3 Confidence in psychometric tests & SJTs Practice test scores; reflection sheets
9. Assessment Centres 2 × 50 min BM 5, BM 8 Preparedness for AC activities Observation checklists; group exercise feedback
10. Offer Decisions 1 × 50 min BM 3, BM 7, BM 8 Clear framework for choosing offers Decision matrix; copies of offer letters

Social Proof & Public Recognition

Why this works for Gatsby/Ofsted

Module Teacher Delivery Guide

(Aligned to Gatsby Benchmarks + Ofsted)

Gatsby Benchmarks Implementation
Theme Benchmarks How Delivered in Elite Apprenticeship Academy
1. Programme Overview 1 Full structured curriculum with tracking, Q&A calls, and pre-mapped modules
2. Labour Market Insight (LMI) 2 Company research tasks, sector breakdowns, salary analysis, application open dates
3. Personalisation & Needs 3, 8 Progress tracking, CV iterations, review notes, mentorship support
4. Curriculum-Linked Skills 4 Subject-linked CVs (e.g. Maths → Finance), reflective tasks that connect learning to work
5. Employer Engagement 5, 6 Guest sessions, employer videos, real-world application tasks, STAR bullet rewrites from real firms
6. Work Experience / Exposure 6 Work experience confirmations, student-submitted experience logs, employer contact logs
7. Apprenticeship Pathways 7 Application walkthroughs, higher/degree apprenticeship comparisons, interview prep
8. Career Guidance 8 Review notes, parent involvement, Q&A sessions, optional 1:1 calls for Signature students
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Your 24/7 Support

Monthly Teacher Strategy Calls

Priority Support Channel

Ongoing Resource Updates

Parent Communications Pack

Careers leads can copy and send directly to parents to ensure consistent, Ofsted/Gatsby-compliant communication.

Subject: New Apprenticeship Support for Our Sixth Form Students

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are delighted to share that [School Name] has partnered with Vanguards Academy, the UK’s leading apprenticeship preparation programme for ambitious 16–19 year olds.

This partnership gives your child access to expert resources, live coaching, and proven strategies to help them secure elite degree apprenticeships at top firms such as PwC, KPMG, Rolls-Royce, the BBC, and J.P. Morgan – while earning a salary and a fully-funded degree.

What this means for your child:

  • Full access to the Elite Apprenticeship Academy (12 modules, 68 lessons)
  • CV, cover letter, interview, and assessment centre training
  • Live group coaching with current Big 4 apprentices
  • 24/7 support via the Vanguards AI assistant for instant career guidance
  • Progress tracked and supported by our school careers team

All safeguarding is in line with KCSIE (2024), Prevent Duty, and the school’s safeguarding framework.

You can read the Parent FAQs and Information Sheet here: Parent Pack

We encourage you to review these resources with your child and discuss how they can make the most of this opportunity.

Kind regards,

[Careers Lead Name]

[School Name]

For Parent Letters

Dear Parent/Carer,

We are pleased to inform you that [School Name] has partnered with Vanguards Academy, a leading apprenticeship preparation programme for sixth form students.

Through this partnership, your child will receive structured training, live coaching, and tailored tools to help them secure highly competitive degree apprenticeships with top UK employers.

The programme is fully safeguarding-compliant and complements our existing careers provision, ensuring your child has the very best preparation available.

If you have any questions, please refer to the enclosed Parent Info Sheet or contact our school careers team directly.

Kind regards,

[Careers Lead]

Teacher FAQ’s

Do I need to know about apprenticeships?

NO. The video modules teach everything. You’re simply providing motivation and encouragement.

ZERO. The platform tracks completion, engagement, and submissions automatically. We pride ourselves in a 100% done-for-you apprenticeship service.

We are fully aligned with KCSIE (2024), Prevent Duty, Working Together (2023), Ofsted EIF, and the Provider Access Legislation for sixth forms.

Schools receive a ready-to-send Parent Pack that includes:

Provided by Vanguards Academy Ltd \ Company No. 16455472