Projects

What are University Technical Colleges?

University Technical Colleges offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, technically-oriented course of study at a specialist college, equipped to the highest standards, sponsored by a university or FE College, with clear progression routes into higher education or further learning in work.

A new concept in Education

Students start at age 14 with a modern, practical, hands on experience and will continue to up-date their knowledge and practical skill throughout their time at the University Technical College. Under the same roof they will also study the basic GCSE subjects of English, mathematics, science and IT. They will also take part in sport and be trained in financial practices and learn how to set up a business. University Technical Colleges specialise in subjects which require specialist and modern equipment, for example, engineering, product design, sport and health sciences, construction and building support services, and land and environmental services. However they all teach business skills and the use of ICT.

Specialist facilities

Each College is sponsored by a university and a College of Further education which work with the local authority and local employers to decide what the College will specialise in. The specialisms reflect the university's areas of excellence. University Technical Colleges typically have between 500 and 800 students so that each student is known individually. The small numbers also ensure that numbers in other schools are not unduly disturbed

The future

The government has committed to opening a further 13 UTCs.  A full list is available on the UTC website.  5 UTCs have already been approved - JCB in Staffordshire (operating), the Black Country (just opened), Aston in Birmingham (2012), Hackney (2012) and Greenwich (2013).  This announcement increases the number of UTCs to eighteen.

University Technical Colleges are an initiative of and promoted by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust.