Ashridge Developing Leaders Fast-Track

This program offers your organisation a cost-effective, time-efficient way to upskill high-potential managers into degree-qualified, Chartered leaders who can drive change, lead with impact, and deliver results.

Accelerated progression

• An 18-month top-up instead of the usual 3–4 year degree route.
• Builds on existing Level 5 knowledge—no duplication, just progression.

Cost-effective upskilling

• Fully apprenticeship levy-funded (or 95% co-funded for SMEs)
• No extra tuition fees—an efficient way to maximise training budgets.

Immediate business impact

• Applied workplace projects deliver measurable improvements during the program.
• Employees bring new insights in strategic leadership, sustainability, digital innovation, and financial decision-making straight into your business.

Professional recognition

• Graduates achieve a degree-level qualification (Bachelor’s in Leadership and Management) and Chartered Manager (CMI) status.
• Boosts your employer brand and enhances retention of top talent.

Note: this program is subject to validation and the final approval of the new Leadership & Management Professional standard and funding band due in early 2026. Duration and format may be subject to change

• Must have completed a Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship (ST0385) in the last 3 years
• Must have achieved a Distinction in their End-Point Assessment (EPA)

Note: for those who have not yet completed the Operations Manager Apprenticeship, our alternative route to the Leadership and Management Professional is to start on one of our regular Operations Manager programs which will still present a faster route to Level 6 than most providers. A typical Operations Manager program takes 18-19 months, with tangible outcomes and then allows learners to start straight away on the level 6 fast-track of 18 months.

Also in development: the Leadership and Management Professional fast-track is being designed to allow experienced managers who have already completed two other Level 5 management-related apprenticeships: People Professional and Learning & Development Consultant Business Partner.