between 2012 and 2015, learndirect’s profits declined 85%, while student failure rates doubled in its educational programmes, and achievement rates for its apprenticeships dropped below ofsted's 62% minimum to qualify for grants. during this period, 84% of learndirect's profits were redirected to its parent firm to pay for dividends, debt-servicing, and legal fees, as well as half a million pounds to sponsor the marussia f1 racing team.