A guide to

University Technical Colleges

 What are University Technical Colleges?
University Technical Colleges
UTCs create an environment
(UTCs) are secondary schools where science, technology,
for 14–19 year olds. They engineering and maths are
the highlight of the school
deliver an innovative, high- day for any student, through
quality education that practical and innovative
combines technical, practical techniques which inspire and
build confident, skilled young
and academic learning. In people.
doing so, they offer students Edwina Dunn, Co-founder,
more than the traditional Dunnhumby; CEO, Starcount; Chair, Your
Life Campaign; Trustee, Baker Dearing Educational Trust
GCSE and A Level curriculum.

X By integrating three types of learning – technical, practical

and academic – UTCs create an environment where all
students can find their strengths and specialise in subjects
that interest and engage them.

X Each UTC is backed by employers and a local university who

work with staff to develop an innovative curriculum that gives
students first-hand experience of what life is like after school.

X A UTC curriculum includes one or two technical specialisms,

which are linked to the skills gaps in the region. As well
as their core academic subjects, students can study
GCSEs, A Levels and technical qualifications matched to
these specialisms.

The UK needs advanced technical X UTCs have a special focus on science, technology,
skills at all levels if we are to engineering and maths subjects, and all their technical,
prosper in the 21st century. academic and practical learning is designed to be
Whether in manufacturing, wind applied in the workplace.
farms, rail links or hi-tech hospitals
we need a workforce that can
X UTCs are smaller than traditional secondary schools.
develop new products, as well
They are not academically selective and charge no fees.
as work with existing resources
to meet all the challenges of
the future. University Technical
Colleges inspire and equip young A growing network
people with the skills they need to
build the careers they want. At the start of 2014 there were 17 UTCs open in England
Lord Baker, Chairman,
Baker Dearing Educational Trust
By 2018, there will be over 55 UTCs across the country

2 WHAT ARE UTCS? utcolleges.org

Life at a UTC
UTCs operate a longer school day. Days typically start
at 8:30am and end at 5:00pm. This provides the time
students need to delve more deeply into their technical
area of interest and to complete practical tasks.

Students generally do their homework at school

as each day includes private study periods. During
school hours, students are expected to dress and act
professionally, as they would do in the workplace.

As part of their study, students participate in projects

with the UTC’s employer partners in real working A UTC provides a special
environments, where they can apply their technical environment that offers
skills and creative thinking. business-led and business-
like education supporting the
skills needs of companies such
All students take part in extracurricular activities linked
as Jaguar Land Rover. The
to the technical specialisms, or in other areas such as
delivery of business-supported
sport, art or drama. Students may also have access to
projects is an excellent way of
university sports facilities and equipment.
embedding industry-relevant
knowledge.
Each UTC offers around 600 places; they are
José Lopes, Head of Technical
sub-regional and their catchment area may
Excellence, Jaguar Land Rover;
extend across a number of local authorities.
Governor, WMG Academy for
Young Engineers (Coventry)
North West
North East
Yorkshire and Humber
Midlands
South West
London & South East
East Anglia

The UTC model, where

employers are embedded
into the curriculum and its
delivery, is very definitely
the way forward.
Richard Wright, Executive
Director, Sheffield Chamber of
Commerce and Industry; Chair
of Governors, UTC Sheffield

LIFE AT A UTC utcolleges.org 3

 Technical UTC students can obtain qualifications
in subject areas where employers face
specialisms a shortage of skills.

4 TECHNICAL SPECIALISMS utcolleges.org

Why choose a UTC?

UTCs are backed by more than 500

employers and nearly 50 universities

X Employers work closely with X The focus on both academic

students on practical projects that and technical subjects in the
help build their communication, UTC curriculum helps students
team-working and self-management to develop the skills they need
skills, which are essential for the for the jobs they want.
workplace.
X Students get the best
possible support, advice and
X Thanks to their partnerships UTCs support all encouragement to help them
with employers and universities, routes into the make the right choices about
UTCs have the latest equipment workplace, whether the subjects they study.
and technology used by industry,
enabling them to teach technical they be through
and scientific subjects in a apprenticeship,
whole new way and inspire the university or
inventors, engineers, scientists
and technicians of tomorrow. straight into a
job after leaving.
X Each year, there are up to
40,000 jobs available that require
skills in science, technology,
engineering and maths. The UTC
curriculum is designed to build
expertise in these subject areas. 1
I love attending the UTC.
X Being aware of technical It’s the new modern way to
options at 14 can be an important learn! I don’t like to see it as
motivator for teenagers who might school. I see it as a working
otherwise find it difficult to imagine environment surrounded by
having a successful future. The people who share the same
Government recognises this and interest as me. I feel like it’s
supports University Technical my second home.
Colleges. 2 Will Garside, Year 13,
Silverstone UTC
X Regular visits from employers
and contact with local universities
help students make decisions
about their futures. 1. Your Life Report Tough Choices: The real reasons A Level
students are steering clear of science and maths, February
2016 www.yourlife.org.uk

2. House of Lords Select Committee on Social Mobility

Report: Overlooked and Left Behind: Improving the transition
from school to work for the majority of young people,
April 2016 www.parliament.uk/business/committees/
committees-a-z/lords-select/social-mobility

WHY CHOOSE A UTC? utcolleges.org 5

 9 out of 10 parents think that education
needs to reflect 21st century working Britain.3

98%
It is extremely important of parents
to the Royal Navy to have think that practical
this strong relationship with
UTCs as over half of the roles work experience is
available in the Navy are based an important part of
around science, engineering
and technology – these are our
a child’s education.4
future and it is evident that
UTC students are key to that
future.
Rear Admiral John Clink OBE,
Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST),

‘My daughter cannot wait to get up in the morning and head off to
school which is a transformation – we're over the moon all round.’
Parent, Liverpool Life Sciences UTC
UTCs represent fresh thinking
in education, excellent contact
with local employers and

85% tremendous opportunities for

of students
say attending
a UTC has made them
confident in their
ability to succeed in
kids.
Richard Noble OBE, Director of
the Bloodhound Project
3. Baker Dearing Educational Trust parent survey,
August 2015.

the world of work.5 4. Baker Dearing Educational Trust parent survey,

August 2015.

5. Baker Dearing Educational Trust student survey,

April 2016.

6 WHY CHOOSE A UTC? utcolleges.org

The UTC curriculum and how it works
UTCs focus on giving students the qualifications
and skills to progress, no matter which career path
or study route they choose. Each student leaves
with skills and knowledge that are valuable in the
modern economy. They are well prepared for their
next step, whether they start working immediately,
opt for an apprenticeship, or choose to study for a
university degree.
UTCs provide a balanced
curriculum for 14–19 year olds
who wish to excel in technical
AGE 14 – 16 subjects and leave with
industry-respected technical
60% of the time is qualifications in addition to a
spent on studying core portfolio of traditional GCSEs
academic subjects and and A Levels. An innovative,
40% on studying technical creative and dynamic attitude
specialisms. towards teaching and learning
ensures students are equipped
with the skills necessary to
be successful in obtaining
places at universities or with
employers of their choice.
Dr Karon Buck, Principal,
Medway UTC
AGE 16 – 19
60% of of the time is spent
on studying technical
specialisms and 40%
on studying core academic
subjects.

Being able to study for a

combination of academic
and technical qualifications
will give me the edge when
I apply for a job.
Rebekah Kinchin, Year 12,
UTC Reading

THE UTC CURRICULUM AND HOW IT WORKS utcolleges.org 7

 UTC links with universities and employers
Universities and employers have a strong influence
over the teaching and learning that students receive
at a UTC. Each UTC is governed by a local university
and a range of employers, and they work together
to decide which technical specialisms the UTC
should focus on. Their decision depends on the skills
shortages in the region as well as the specialist
interests of the university.

Universities

X Provide teaching staff to help

in specialist subjects e.g. maths
for engineering or media and
broadcasting technology.

X Offer university tours and workshops for

students, to ensure they are fully prepared
As the lead education partner for higher education.
for UTCs in the region, the
University of Hull is helping
X Organise access to specialist equipment and facilities
to embed technical, practical
on campus.
and academic learning into
the UTCs to provide the best
opportunities to enable local X Provide mentors for students, to guide them on the best
young people to be better study routes for their goals.
skilled and equipped for a fast-
changing environment.
Karen Arundel,
UTC Partnerships Manager,
University of Hull

8 UTC LINKS WITH UNIVERSITIES AND EMPLOYERS utcolleges.org

 Employers
X Make sure the curriculum gives
students a deep and practical
understanding of the world of work,
as well as the skills and qualifications
they need.

X Develop and lead projects that challenge

students’ technical and creative thinking. We are extremely proud that
we have been able to support
X Give students high-quality work experience that’s relevant UTCs with our employees’
to industry. time and skills, particularly
➢ from our STEM ambassadors.
X Support and mentor students, guiding them on career This includes mentoring, guest
lectures, skills sessions, group
routes and options.
work support, and coming in to

teach projects.
X Deliver guest lectures and skills sessions at UTCs, and
provide access to their state-of-the-art facilities. Toby Peyton-Jones, HR Director,
Siemens GB & Ireland

Our country is the best in

the world when it comes to
the efficiency of our science
research and we need more
young people with the skills
to sustain this position. UTCs
can help by opening up access
between students and industry.
Brian Cox, OBE

UTC LINKS WITH UNIVERSITIES AND EMPLOYERS utcolleges.org 9

 UTC progression routes
Chartered
status

Registered
Technician
AGE 18+

Start a
degree

Start a Higher
Apprenticeship Start a
job
AGE 17

A levels and equivalent

technical qualifications
AGE 16

Start at a Stay at a Leave to start Leave to attend

UTC for UTC after an Advanced sixth form or
A Level GCSEs Apprenticeship FE college
AGE 15

GCSEs and equivalent technical qualifications

including English, maths and two sciences
AGE 14

Start at
a UTC

10 UTC PROGRESSION ROUTES utcolleges.org

Testimonials What students say…

Being a Higher With the help My UTC is Everybody at

Apprentice for of personal providing Life Sciences
JCB, I am able learning me with the UTC supported
to work and managers, professional me immensely
learn at the same time. employer projects, qualifications and with my application
This means I spend one attending fairs and industry experience that to study medicine at
day a week at Sheffield conferences, and I need to start my career university. This included
Hallam University participating in work in the IT sector. help with numerous
studying for my experiences, I now know work placements and
mechanical engineering that I want to study civil individual UCAS support,
degree with the rest of engineering at university, alongside enabling
the week spent working and later to go to work me to get beyond the
as a design engineer in railway infrastructure necessary grades.
at JCB Compact design. I value the hard
Products...I know that work and commitment
all the aspirations I now that Energy Coast UTC
have would not have and our employers and
been possible without sponsors do to raise our
the learning, support awareness of this.
and encouragement
that I received from
The JCB Academy.

Holly Broadhurst, Charlie Minshall, Usayd Callendar, Bethany Gwyther,

JCB Academy Alumnae; Year 11, Year 12, Liverpool Life Sciences
Higher Apprentice, Energy Coast UTC UTC Reading UTC Alumnae;
JCB Compact Products, medical student,
Staffordshire University of St Andrews

TESTIMONIALS utcolleges.org 11
 Testimonials What parents say…

The UTC has been perfect for Jonathan as although he’s

dealing with people from all walks of life, they all share
the same interests. He has a lot of friends. The most
important thing for me is the fact that he embraces his
learning – he’s very focussed and he wants to be there.

June Thornton, parent of The GM UTC student

From the very first visit to the UTC we were struck by

the commitment that both teachers and students had
to this concept. We were excited that this school was
not just a place where people were passionate about
creative learning, but where they were also given the
opportunity to develop their skills in areas which might
normally take luck, contacts and many years to gain
experience and knowledge in.

Jackie Kramer, parent of The Elstree UTC student

The project work is so engaging, which means the

students really enjoy it and want to do well – they are
able to demonstrate their abilities in a different way
... Working with the UTC’s employer partners really
helped Jake to set in stone his future career aspirations,
opening him up to new ideas and career choices. His
UTC experience has helped him mature and through
opportunities like Head of the School Body, he has
become a confident young man.

Nigel Hill, parent of Lincoln UTC student

Over 50%
of parents think that
their child is ready to
make decisions about
their education at the
age of 14.6

6. Baker Dearing parent survey, August 2015.

12 TESTIMONIALS utcolleges.org
Testimonials What staff say…
I enjoy teaching in
the UTC because it’s
an inspirational, well-
resourced environment,
and the pupils here have all
chosen to come to the UTC.
Because they have a purpose
for being here, they are more
motivated and consequently make
good progress – often better than
in their previous schools.
Dr Zoe Spavold,
Head of Science,
Silverstone UTC
TESTIMONIALS
We provide students
with the skills and
qualifications they
need to either go
on to university or to take up
employment. To achieve this,
we offer a rigorous package
of academic study, practical
skills development and work
experience. UTCs are a sound
educational foundation for any
student who has an interest in
engineering, science, maths,
technical and computing
subject areas.
Alex Hayes,
Principal,
UTC Norfolk
I’ve really enjoyed
setting up links with
local IT companies so
the students gain as
much exposure as possible while
studying at the UTC. Some have
led to fascinating real-world
projects such as designing and
building a new type of gyrocopter
to help search and rescue
services.
Alan Bailey,
Head of Computing,
Bucks UTC
utcolleges.org 13
 Behind the scenes – support for UTCs
Baker Dearing Educational
Trust sits at the centre of
the UTC network. It is a
small, flexible organisation
founded by Lord Baker and
the late Lord Dearing that
focusses on promoting and
supporting the University
Technical Colleges
programme.
University Technical Colleges
have the potential to transform
the status and quality of
technical education, offering
brilliant opportunities to
young people and meeting
future needs of employers for
educationally and technically
competent staff. It’s a win-win
for all concerned.
The Rt Hon Lord Adonis
Dr Terri
Simpkin
14 BEHIND THE SCENES – SUPPORT FOR UTCS
X Guiding and assessing applications for new UTCs.
Baker Dearing helps applicants navigate the application
process and works with the Department for Education to
make sure new UTCs open on time and to budget.
X Helping existing UTCs to become part of a community.
Baker Dearing provides support and encouragement to UTCs,
providing regular opportunities for them to share good practice,
attend seminars and promote one another.
X Providing educational advisers for each UTC. Baker Dearing’s
advisers work with UTC leaders, staff and governors, helping to
set standards, develop the curriculum and maintain a high-quality
teaching and learning environment.
X Raising awareness of UTCs with the public. By increasing
the profile of UTCs, Baker Dearing aims to ensure everyone
has an understanding of what they offer young people,
employers and universities.
X Representing the interests of UTCs. Baker Dearing ensures
UTCs are considered in government policy and in changes to
qualifications and the curriculum.
PATRON TRUSTEES
 
HRH The Duke The Rt Hon Sir Kevin Edwina Dunn
of York KG Lord Baker of Satchwell
Dorking CH
TRUSTEES
Allan Cook CBE The Rt Hon Sir John Rose Sir Mike
Lord Adonis Tomlinson CBE
utcolleges.org
University Technical Colleges
have a pivotal role to play in
raising both the status and the
quality of technical education
in this country.
Sir Michael Wilshaw, HM
Chief Inspector for Education,
Children’s Services and Skills
Contact details
Baker Dearing  020 7960 1555
Educational Trust Ö director@utcolleges.org
4 Millbank,
Westminster, Ħ www.utcolleges.org
London
Registered charity number: 1138894
SWIP 3JA Registered company number: 7390138