There’s a lot of confusion around what a UTC is – but quite simply a UTC (university technical college) is state-funded school that offers 14-19-year-olds something different to a traditional school.
In addition to a core curriculum of English, maths, and sciences, UTCs offer technical qualifications taught by specialist staff to provide students with skills valued by employers.
The combination of technical, practical and academic learning means that UTC students, when they leave education, are work-ready, with a distinct competitive edge in the jobs market.
To do this UTCs:
- focus on two or three technical specialisms
- work with employers and a local university to develop and deliver the curriculum
- relate the content of academic subjects to their technical specialisms
- work on industry-level equipment
- set real-life employer projects that stretch students’ technical skills and creative thinking and develop softer skills such as working in teams and problem solving.
- teaching and mentoring from specialists who currently work in industry.
UTCs are academies and are smaller than traditional secondary schools. They are not academically selective and do not charge fees.
What can you expect from a UTC?
Focused learning in STEM areas like engineering and computer science, allowing students to dive deep into subjects that matter to them.
Industry connections – UTCs partner with local businesses, who help shape the curriculum based on industry needs. Students benefit from working on real-world projects, employer mentoring and work experience.
Hands-on experience – UTC students engage in practical projects, applying their knowledge to real situations. This approach enhances problem-solving skills and reinforces learning.
Smaller class sizes – With fewer students per class, UTCs are the preferred environment for some students.
Focus on destinations – UTCs offer clear pathways to both further education, apprenticeships and jobs. Employers value both the academic credentials and practical experience of UTC graduates, with UTC leavers filling 3 times more apprenticeship places than mainstream secondary graduates.
FAQs
Are there fees to attend?
No, the UTC is part of government-funded education.
Do I have to sit a test to join?
There are not entrance exams. This allows students from all backgrounds to thrive. Due to the course requirements there are minimum requirements for post 16 entry.
Am I out of catchment?
Catchment area may extend across a number of local authorities.
What are typical class sizes?
In years 10 and 11 the class sizes are typically 20-25 students. In Sixth Form, the classes are 15-20 students.
What is the reason for starting in Year 10?
Age 11 is considered too early to choose a specialist path to follow and 16 can be too late. Students who know what they want to do can become bored at school studying subjects they have no interest in and may underachieve by the time they are 16.
Is 14 too young to specialise?
UTC students receive a broad education including English, maths and sciences, combined with practical and technical qualifications which are recognised by employers and universities. The skills they learn and the qualifications they receive are transferable to other post-16 provision and are recognised by employers. They also have a wide range of extra-curricular activities and personal development opportunities.
Why specialise in STEM?
There are many local and national employers working in these sectors in our region and they are searching for skilled young people to fill jobs now.
Do students wear uniform?
Students must wear UTC business dress to reflect the professional atmosphere of the workplace. Safety wear is also required in areas.
Why school day longer?
To reflect the working day the UTC day tends to be longer. This allows students time to complete projects and finish independent work without the need for homework!
Is it easy to leave my old school?
The government sends out a letter to families each year, explaining that students may switch schools at age 14 if they choose to. This letter is sent out to parents in September each year and then families can apply for a place at UTC Reading
How can I apply to the UTC?
You can apply online on this website for Year 10 and Year 12.
UTC myths – busted
There’s a lot of bunkum surrounding UTCs – let’s set the record straight!
Myth 1: UTCs are mainly for boys
Certainly not. The percentage of female students attending UTC is increasing year on year. Work is continually done with industry partners and professional organisations to engage with female engineers and computer scientists to ensure female students recognise the breadth of opportunities available to them in engineering, computing and STEM.
Myth 2: UTCs are an easy option – not suitable for high achieving academic students.
UTC students go on to top universities and high-quality apprenticeships, the same as with high achieving schools. Employers value both the academic credentials and practical experience of UTC graduates, with UTC leavers filling xx% more apprenticeship places than mainstream secondary graduates.
Myth 3: UTC students study only vocational qualifications and not academic ones.
UTC students complete core and optional GCSEs or A levels as well as a technical qualification. The UTC curriculum is developed with universities and employers, leading to academic, technical, personal and professional skills.
Myth 4: UTC students perform poorly compared to those at other schools
As with any state secondary school, UTCs are inspected by Ofsted. They are not however judged on Progress 8, because students join mid-way through the Progress 8 five-year cycle so this should not be used to compare with other schools. Other headline measures, particularly pupil destinations, are more important for these establishments.
If you have any queries or want to find out more, then please visit our UTC home pages and email or call to arrange a visit:
