University Technical Colleges offer 14-19 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, technically-oriented course of study at a specialist college.
University Technical Colleges
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
For five years BDT
has been working to establish a national network of UTCs: five are
open, 12 will open this year, 15 next year, and now there will be a
further 13 in 2015 bringing the total number to 45 spread across
the country. A full list is available on the UTC
website. The five open UTCs are JCB in Staffordshire, the
Black Country UTC , Aston in Birmingham, Hackney and Greenwich.
There will be a further application round later this year with a
closing date for applications of September 2013 for UTCs to open in
2015.
University Technical
Colleges are an initiative of and promoted by the Baker
Dearing Educational Trust.