Ron Dearing UTC students excited for the future after excellent GCSE results

Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have spoken of the exciting opportunities they can look forward to after securing excellent GCSE results.

The results saw 81% of students achieve grades 4-9 in both English and Maths and 50% of students secure grades 5-9 in English and Maths.

Well done girls! Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah celebrates with students, from left, Aimee Laws, Peace Umudjoro and Sanziana Vetis.

 

The employer-led school’s specialisms also performed strongly, with 33% of students achieving Distinction* or Distinction in Creative Media, 30% gaining Distinction* or Distinction in Digital Technology and 46% awarded Distinction* or Distinction in Engineering.

Of the 136 Year 11 students, more than 100 have achieved the entry criteria for a place in Ron Dearing Sixth Form.

Aimee Laws and Peace Umudjoro enjoy sharing their results on a day of celebration for Ron Dearing UTC students.

 

Peace Umudjoro, 16, left private school to join Ron Dearing and has never looked back.

She achieved eight GCSEs, including grade 8 in English Language, and will study Engineering and Art at the Sixth Form.

“I’ve worked really hard and I don’t think my results have sunk in yet,” she said. “It’s joyful being a student at Ron Dearing and I’ve made a lot of friends.”

Aimee Laws is on track for a successful career in engineering after Ron Dearing “opened her eyes” to the many opportunities available to her.

She achieved GCSEs in Chemistry, Maths, Computer Science, Physics, English Language and English Literature and a Distinction in Engineering and is staying on at Sixth Form to study Double Digital Technology.

Aimee, 16, said: “I did better than I expected and I’m really pleased.

“I didn’t know much about engineering before I came here, but I’ve found I’m good at it and the staff have opened my eyes to all the different careers out there.”

Noah Devine-Runkee is shooting for the stars after outstanding GCSEs at Hull’s Ron Dearing UTC.

 

Noah Devine-Runkee, 16, is hoping to realise his dream of becoming an astronaut after securing grade 9 in Maths and grades 8 in Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science.

He is now returning to Ron Dearing Sixth form to study A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry and plans to go to university to study Astrophysics.

Noah said: “I’m really happy with my results. I want to do something different with my life and Ron Dearing is helping me achieve that.”

Fellow high-flyer Kelham Hillier achieved grades 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, as well as a Distinction* in both Creative Digital and Engineering Design.

He is staying at Ron Dearing to study A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics, as well as a higher technical qualification in Engineering, as he feels the employer-led school “suits him well”.

Kelham, 16, said: “I’m really pleased with my results because I’ve worked hard for them.

“The staff have really helped me along the way and I’ve been very happy here, so there’s no need to go anywhere else.”

Kelham Hillier, left, achieved grades 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, as well as a Distinction* in both Creative Digital and Engineering Design, while Sam Mathers secured a grade 9 in Chemistry and grades 8 in Maths and Physics, as well as a Distinction in Digital Technology.

 

Sanziana Vetis, 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including grade 8 in Art and Design, and a Distinction in Creative Digital. She will now be studying Double iMedia and Art in the school’s Sixth Form from September.

Sanziana, who would like to become a graphic designer in the future, said: “These grades are what I wanted and I’m extremely happy.

“Ron Dearing is an amazing school and I was so sad when we had to stay at home because I love it here. The teachers are so kind and patient and help you so much.”

Evie Hadfield, 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including grades 9 in Art and Design and Maths. She also secured a Distinction* in Engineering Design.

Evie, who will move into the school’s Sixth Form to study Maths, Further Maths, Art and Engineering, said: “These grades are exactly what I hoped for and I couldn’t be happier.

“I’m so glad I made the move to Ron Dearing. The subjects are tailor-made for what I’m interested in and enjoy.”

Jasveer Jabbal, 16, is also excited about what the future holds after achieving grades 9 in Maths and Computer Science, as well as a Distinction* in Engineering Design.

He said: “I was a bit worried but I’m really pleased with my results – I’m proud of all of them.

“It’s been a great experience here so far and now I can’t wait to join the Sixth Form, where I’ll be studying Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Engineering.”

Matthew Blain, left, and Jasveer Jabbal have both achieved success in their GCSEs and level 2 Technical qualifications at Ron Dearing UTC.

 

Matthew Blain, 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including grade 8 in Maths, a Distinction* in Engineering Design and a Distinction in Creative Digital.

Matthew will return to study Maths, Physics and Engineering and he said: “I’m really pleased with my results. Ron Dearing UTC is a very good school and the teachers are great.”

Outstanding Ron Dearing UTC celebrates excellent GCSE grades

Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have achieved excellent results in their GCSEs and level 2 Technical qualifications for the second year in a row, confirming Ofsted’s judgement that the school provides its students with an outstanding education.

Highlights of the GCSE results achieved by Ron Dearing UTC’s Year 11 students include:

  • 81% of students achieved grades 4-9 in both English and Maths.
  • 50% of students secured grades 5-9 in English and Maths.

The Hull school’s specialisms have also performed exceptionally strongly, with a significant number of students achieving the highest grades:

  • 33% of students achieved Distinction* or Distinction in Creative iMedia.
  • 30% achieved Distinction* or Distinction in Digital Technology.
  • 46% awarded Distinction* or Distinction in Engineering Design.
Students at Dearing UTC take part in real-life business projects set by the school’s employer partners, including RB, the world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company.

 

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “This has been a rollercoaster of a week for our students and parents with all the confusion over calculated grades, algorithms and centre assessed grades.

“I feel so sorry that they have had such a stressful experience and I’m very grateful to them for their patience and understanding – they have been absolutely great.

“It’s a huge relief to see so many of our students receiving fantastic results. They have demonstrated over the past two years that the grades they have been awarded are a true reflection of their abilities.

“I’m delighted they have received the recognition they deserve.  Well done to all of them!”

Students at Ron Dearing UTC benefit from use of exceptional digital facilities, including the Green Port Virtual Reality Suite.

 

Of the 136 Year 11 students, more than 100 have achieved the entry criteria for a place in Ron Dearing UTC’s outstanding Sixth Form, where they will continue to work closely with the school’s high-profile employer partners to develop their academic and technical abilities and their personal and employability skills to give them the edge in higher education and employment opportunities.

Due to the school’s excellent reputation, competition for Year 12 places for non-Ron Dearing UTC students has been intense this year and 40 external applicants will be joining in September.

With the emphasis on developing employability skills and promoting apprenticeships as well as university, it is unsurprising that several students will be leaving school at the end of Year 11 to begin Level 3 apprenticeships with leading local employers.

Sarah said “Ron Dearing UTC is as much about encouraging and enabling young people to progress onto apprenticeships as it is about them taking up places at university.

“University is a brilliant experience for many young people but it is not the only way of acquiring a degree or gaining the qualifications and experiences required for successful careers in the engineering, creative and tech sectors.

“At Ron Dearing UTC we’re as proud of our track record of getting our students into fantastic apprenticeships as we are about ensuring they gain places at their first choice university.”

Over 50% of the Year 11 and Year 13 cohorts will be taking up an apprenticeship this year, compared to a national average of only 6%.  Many of the apprenticeships are with the school’s employer partners, including KCOM, RB, Siemens Mobility, Spencer Group, Arco and Sonoco Trident.

Ron Dearing UTC has been over-subscribed in every year since it opened in 2017, with hundreds of prospective students and their parents attending Open Events such as this one in November 2019.

 

Ron Dearing UTC in Hull city centre caters for students aged between 14 and 19 from Hull and the East Riding and offers a unique education model, with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith & Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners.

Charlie Spencer OBE, Ron Dearing UTC Chair of Governors and Executive Chairman of Hull-based engineering business Spencer Group, said: “Following the superb A-level and Level 3 Technical results recorded last week, these grades are further evidence of the positive impact of our employer-led education model.

“All of the employer partners are so proud of the tremendous achievements of the students in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Ron Dearing UTC is now recruiting for students to join in Year 10 and 12 in September 2021. To apply or find out more click here.

Ron Dearing UTC students set up for success after outstanding A-level results

Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have spoken of their delight and excitement after achieving outstanding A-level and technical qualification results.

All 80 Year 13 students at the school are now set to secure employment, an apprenticeship or a place at university after an overall pass rate of 100%.

Highlights at the employer-led school, which was rated “Outstanding” across the board by Ofsted in its first inspection earlier this year, included:

  • 40% of all grades are A* or A.
  • 86% of grades are A*-C.
  • Seventeen students have straight A* or A grades.

The results are based on centre assessed grades submitted by the school which have been subjected to a process of moderation by Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley applauds straight As student Charlotte Cook on her A-levels success.

 

Straight As student Charlotte Cook, 19, achieved A* in Maths, A* in Biology and A in Chemistry.

She is now preparing to study Biomedical Science at either the University of Hull or University of York and is aiming for a career in genetics research.

“I was worried about my results but I’m so relieved and proud,” said Charlotte.

“I came to Ron Dearing after studying at another college and started Year 12 again. I changed some of my subjects and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

“Ron Dearing gives you so many opportunities and the teachers treat you as an adult. They’re all really nice and have been so supportive.”

Shervin Ventura is aiming for a high-speed career as a motorsports engineer after achieving a triple Distinction* at Ron Dearing UTC.

 

Shervin Ventura, 18, achieved Distinction* in Creative Digital and double Distinction* in Engineering. He will now go on to study Motorsports Engineering at the University of Derby with hopes of becoming a Mechanical Engineer for a leading Formula 1 team.

Shervin said: “I’m so happy and I can’t wait to tell my family about my results. There’s a smile underneath my mask!

“I’ve felt so supported by the school and they reassured me I didn’t have to worry.

“I’m passionate about engineering and Ron Dearing was definitely the right place for me. I’m so glad I came here.”

William Blake, 18, was delighted to discover he had achieved double Distinction* in Digital Media and Distinction* in Art.

He has now secured an apprenticeship with Hull branding and design firm Sonoco-Trident and said: “I’ve done better than I expected and I’m so pleased.

“Ron Dearing has been great and they’ve given me a lot of support. I’m just so pleased to have got the grades I wanted.”

Students Sarah Dabare, left, and Jasmine Russell will now move on to sought-after apprenticeships, having benefited from the employer-led education offered at Ron Dearing UTC.

 

Sarah Dabare is joining the Merchant Navy on a three-year engineering apprenticeship after achieving C in Biology, D in Chemistry and a Merit in Engineering.

Sarah, 18, said: “It’s been great at Ron Dearing. The staff have been there for me every step of the way.

“They’ve been so supportive, especially with everything that’s been going on around the pandemic. The staff have made sure I was kept up to date all the time.

“I’ve always wanted to join the Merchant Navy and Ron Dearing has helped get me there.”

Jasmine Russell, 18, achieved Distinction* in Engineering and C grades in Chemistry and Maths. She is now preparing to begin a lab technology apprenticeship with BP.

Jasmine said: “I’m so happy with my results. I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship and see where it takes me. I’m looking forward to working my way up and enjoying the job.

“The specific focus on engineering and links with the school’s employer partners was the reason I chose to come to Ron Dearing UTC and it was definitely the right decision for me.

“The teachers have kept us so well informed in recent months and done everything they can to support us.”

Dylan Harrison, 18, has secured an apprenticeship with RB, one of Ron Dearing’s Founding Partners, after achieving A in Maths and double Distinction in Digital Technology.

Dylan, who will study a degree in IT Business Analysis as part of his apprenticeship, said: “I’ve done better than I expected and I’m really pleased.

“It’s been outstanding here at Ron Dearing and I can’t fault them. The support they’ve given me has been brilliant.”

Josh Fry is preparing to begin a software engineering apprenticeship with KCOM, having notched up a triple Distinction at Ron Dearing UTC.

 

Josh Fry, 18, achieved a Distinction* in Creative Digital, a Distinction* and Distinction in Digital Tech and an A in Maths. He is now preparing to begin a software engineering apprenticeship with KCOM, another of the school’s Founding Partners.

Josh said: “I’m so happy. I love technology and I can’t wait to work for KCOM. It’s going to be an amazing time.

“Applying for my apprenticeship was such a streamlined process and being a Ron Dearing UTC student has enabled this opportunity to happen for me. It’s such a great school.”

Students shine as Ron Dearing UTC scores A-level success

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has recorded superb A-level and Level 3 Technical results for the second year in a row, setting the school’s students up for success in apprenticeships or at university.

All 80 Year 13 learners studied for A-levels and/or Level 3 technical qualifications identified by the school’s employer partners as best equipping them with the knowledge and skills for successful careers within the engineering, digital and creative sectors.

The results are based on centre assessed grades submitted by the school which have been subjected to a process of moderation by Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator.

Students at Ron Dearing UTC have recorded superb A-level and Level 3 Technical results and are now moving on to apprenticeships or university.

 

Highlights of an excellent A-level results day for Hull’s employer-led school included:

  • 40% of all grades are A* or A.
  • 86% of grades are A*-C.
  • The average grade is a B, compared to the national average of C.
  • Seventeen students have straight A* or A grades.
  • The overall pass rate is 100%.

Ron Dearing UTC’s results for technical qualifications, including Engineering, Computing, Art & Design and Creative iMedia, are also outstanding, with the average grade being a Distinction, the equivalent to grade B at A-level.

Hull’s employer-led school, Ron Dearing UTC, has first-class facilities, including the Green Port Virtual Reality Suite.

 

Half of the year group are now destined for apprenticeships or employment, with the other 40 having applied for university places, seven of them with the Russell Group of elite higher education institutions.

Based on their results, Ron Dearing UTC is confident all students who have applied to go to university will secure places, most with their first choice destination.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “This has been the most extraordinary year at Ron Dearing UTC. We went from the high of achieving Outstanding in our first Ofsted inspection in mid-March, to having to close the school to all but a handful of students a week later and move from face-to-face teaching to online learning.

“This has been exceptionally stressful for our students who have had to deal with unprecedented challenges and make huge adjustments to the way they work. The commitment they have shown to their studies and their resilience under pressure has been nothing short of astounding.

“I am proud of every single one of them. I am also extremely grateful to their parents and carers who have worked in partnership with our staff throughout lockdown to minimise the disruption to learning.

“We were obviously all extremely anxious about whether the new way of accrediting students for their A-level and technical qualifications would be fair. I am very grateful to my staff who went about the process of awarding ‘calculated’ grades diligently and professionally.

“We are all exceptionally relieved that the overwhelming number of results do reflect the grades we believe the students would have achieved had they sat their exams. This means that all our students will progress onto a really great apprenticeships, jobs or university courses in September. Well done everyone!”

Principal Sarah Pashley says Ron Dearing UTC students’ commitment to their studies and resilience under pressure has been “nothing short of astounding”.

 

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged between 14 and 19 from Hull and the East Riding and offers a unique education model with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

The school is officially rated as “Outstanding” by Ofsted having achieved the accolade following its first official inspection earlier this year.

As well as the rating of outstanding for the school’s overall effectiveness, inspectors also marked the pioneering school as outstanding for quality of education; behaviour and attitudes; personal development; leadership and management; and sixth form provision.

Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith & Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council and many other industry partners, including APD Communications, Arco, BP, C4DI, Fujitsu, Green Port Hull, Ideal Boilers, Ørsted, Sewell Group and Sonoco Trident.

Charlie Spencer OBE, Chair of Governors and Executive Chairman of Spencer Group, said: “These brilliant results say so much about the talent and dedication of our students and teaching team.

“They are a great tribute to the students’ resilience in overcoming the unprecedented challenges of the past few months and we’re all delighted they have gained the grades they deserved.

“Our employer partners have also shown tremendous support for the school during a very difficult period and have again made available dozens of apprenticeships to give our students a fantastic start to their careers.”

Ron Dearing UTC is now recruiting for students to join in Year 10 and 12 in September 2021. To apply or find out more click here.