Our students have expressed their happiness after receiving their GCSE results.

Here’s what they had to share…

Grace Moran celebrated achieving six GCSEs including grade 9 in English Literature and English Language, grade 8 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and grade 7 in Maths, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Creative iMedia.

She will now go onto study English Literature, English Language, Chemistry and Biology in our sixth form.

Grace said; “I worked really hard but was very nervous about collecting my results.

“We had great support from the teachers throughout our exams and this is reflected in our grades. Ron Dearing UTC is an amazing school.”

 

Chloe Barlow achieved seven GCSEs, including grade 9 in Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics and Biology, grade 8 in Maths, and grade 6 in English Language and English Literature, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Electronic Engineering.

She will now study Physics, Double Engineering and Maths in our sixth form.

Chloe said: “I wasn’t expecting any grade 9s at all, but I got four! I worked so hard, but I was shocked when I opened my envelope. I’m so happy with my results.

“It’s great that Ron Dearing UTC works so closely with the Employer Partners. I spoke to some of them at our school Careers Expo and I’d like to do an engineering apprenticeship in the future.”

 

Gover Gabriel Muzadi achieved an impressive set of GCSE results, including grade 9 in Physics, grade 8 in Chemistry and Maths, grade 7 in Biology and Computer Science and grade 6 in English Language and English Literature, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering.

He said: “Coming to Ron Dearing UTC is one of the best decisions I’ve made, because it’s tailored to your way of learning. I did lots of revision and thought I would scrape a grade 8 in some things, but not a 9 in Physics.

“The teachers really care about you at Ron Dearing UTC. All of the studying we’ve done is targeted and helps you to build on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.”

 

Luke Marshall was another of the many students celebrating their impressive GCSE results. He achieved grade 9 in Maths, Chemistry, Physics, grade 8 in Biology, Computer Science and English Language, and a grade 5 in English Literature, as well as a D2 in Electronic Engineering.

Luke said: “It’s been the best opportunity I’ve had so far. I’ve been here for two years, and I’m staying here for sixth form. I’m really happy with my grades. I’m interested in working in genetics in the future, so this is a great start.”

 

Josh Horne achieved grade 9 in English Literature, grade 8 in Chemistry, grade 7 in Maths, English Language, and Physics, and grade 6 in Biology and Computer Science. He was one of many students to achieve 100% attendance for the year too.

“I’m really pleased with how I have done, especially in English Literature. I’ve been here for two years now and I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to coming back to the college in September and pressing on.”

 

James Caley achieved grade 9 in Maths and Chemistry, grade 8 in Biology and Physics, grade 7 in Computer Science, grade 6 in English Language and grade 5 in English Literature, as well as a D2 in Electronic Engineering.

James said: “I have done better than I thought I would do. The last two years have gone really well. All the teachers have been great and made me really enjoy learning. I’m coming back for the sixth form next year.

“I’m interested in going down an engineering route, which is why I’ve decided to do A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Engineering. I’m really excited to come back after the summer.”

 

Alexis Marley achieved grade 9 in English Language, grade 8 in English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, grade seven in Art and Design, and a Level 2 Distinction* in Creative iMedia. She will go on to study English Language, Biology, Graphic Design and Creative iMedia at Wyke Sixth Form College in Hull.

Alexis said: “My teachers gave me papers and information to enable me to revise at home and in school. They set time aside in lessons to help you with tasks and the teaching has been amazing.

“I wasn’t expecting a grade 9 in English Language, so I’m very happy with that. You’re given every opportunity to progress at Ron Dearing UTC.”

 

James Bedford achieved grade 9 in Maths and Computer Science, grade 8 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, grade 7 in English Language and English Literature, and a D2 in Multi Media.

James said: “I was very nervous picking up my results. I spent the whole car journey, the majority of summer, worrying about what my results might be.

“I’ve done better than expected in the sciences overall. I got what I was hoping for in everything else, which I’m very happy about.

“I’m coming back to Ron Dearing UTC next year, which I believe is the best place for me. At the moment I’m interested in going into something down the Computer Science route in the future. I love Maths, so anything Maths related would be great.”

Superb attendance at Hull’s employer-led school has led to students achieving outstanding GCSE and Level 2 technical results well ahead of the national average.

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) Year 11 students recorded 97% attendance overall in the past school year, with many students not missing a single day.

The attendance is far better than the 88.7% average across the Yorkshire and Humber region and 89% nationally, as recorded by the Department for Education (DfE).

This contributed to the school recording 86.6% of all GCSE grades at 4 or above. This is significantly above the national average of 67.4% announced by the DfE.

In addition, financially disadvantaged students at Ron Dearing UTC outperformed non-disadvantaged learners, with an increased percentage achieving grades 5 to 9 in English and Maths GCSEs, bucking the national trend. This demonstrates the school’s success in supporting students from all backgrounds to succeed.

As well as the 86.6% of all GCSE grades at 4 or above, highlights of Ron Dearing UTC’s GCSE and Level 2 technical results include:

• 80% of students achieved grades 4 to 9 in both English and Maths.
• 62% of students achieved grades 5 to 9 in English and Maths.
• 73% of students achieved grades 5 to 9 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• 86% of students achieved grades 5 to 9 in creative subjects, including Photography.
• 25% of grades in technical specialisms, including Creative iMedia, Digital Technology and Engineering, were Distinction or Distinction*.

 

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re delighted our Year 11 students have achieved such impressive results, which are so far ahead of the overall national average.

“They have exceeded even our extremely high expectations and we’re so proud of them all.

“As well as working extremely hard over the past two years, another key factor in our students’ success is their exceptionally high attendance. This has been a massive concern nationally since the pandemic.

“While our employer-led curriculum, great facilities and high-quality teaching and support have all played a vital role in enabling students to do so well, there’s no doubt that excellent attendance has also been a big positive factor.

“I’d like to congratulate the students for their tremendous attendance and thank their parents and carers for encouraging them. I also want to pay tribute to our wonderful pastoral team who work so hard to ensure students are happy at Ron Dearing UTC and their attendance is as high as possible.”

The excellent results come just a week after Ron Dearing Year 13 sixth form students recorded impressive A-level and Level 3 technical outcomes, following the expansion of the school last September.

Sarah added: “Nationally, financially disadvantaged students significantly under-perform compared to their non-disadvantaged peers. The latest results show this is not the case at Ron Dearing UTC – proof that we are a fully inclusive school with an educational approach that works for all our students.

“It’s also great to see that our fantastic new science and creative facilities have had such a positive impact on students’ performance. The outstanding results for science and creative subjects show the opportunity to learn in state-of-the art facilities really enhances learning and progress.

“We were delighted with our Year 13 results last week and now we can have a double celebration.”

 

Chloe Barlow, 16, was one of many students celebrating after she achieved an impressive four grade 9s in Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics and Biology as well as a grade 8 in Maths, grades 6 in English Language and English Literature, and a Level 2 Distinction in Electronic Engineering.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting any grade 9s at all, but I got four! I worked so hard, but I was shocked when I opened my envelope. I’m so happy with my results.

“It’s great that Ron Dearing UTC works so closely with the Employer Partners. I spoke to some of them at our school Careers Expo and I’d like to do an engineering apprenticeship in the future.”

 

Fellow student Grace Moran, 16, was also celebrating after receiving and six GCSEs including grade 9 in English Literature and English Language, grade 8 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and grade 7 in Maths, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Creative iMedia.

Grace will now go on to study English Literature, English Language, Chemistry and Biology in Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form and said: “I worked really hard but was very nervous about collecting my results.

“We had great support from the teachers throughout our exams and this is reflected in our grades. Ron Dearing UTC is an amazing school.”

 

Gover Gabriel Muzadi, also 16, achieved an impressive set of GCSE results, including grade 9 in Physics, grade 8 in Chemistry and Maths, grade 7 in Biology and Computer Science and grade 6 in English Language and English Literature, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering.

He said: “Coming to Ron Dearing UTC is one of the best decisions I’ve made, because it’s tailored to your way of learning.

“I did lots of revision and thought I would scrape a grade 8 in some things, but not a 9 in Physics.

“The teachers really care about you at Ron Dearing UTC. All of the studying we’ve done is targeted and helps you to build on your strengths and improve on your weaknesses.”

In total, 140 Ron Dearing UTC students are progressing from Year 11 into Year 12, joining the school’s sixth form, the highest number of current students following this path to date. They will be joined by 80 students from other schools.

 

Ron Dearing UTC, in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, caters for students aged 14 to 19. It offers a unique employer-led model of education with a specialist focus on Engineering, Maths, Sciences, Computing, Creative iMedia and English.

Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, said: “Once again, Ron Dearing UTC students have achieved excellent GCSE and Level 2 technical results and their excellent attendance has been a big factor in their success.

“This commitment and drive is exactly what employers and universities want to see in their future employees and students and highlights exactly why Ron Dearing UTC’s employer-led curriculum is so successful.

“I’d like to congratulate all the students, parents, carers, teachers and support staff for these truly wonderful results. Outcomes like these are not easily achieved and it is a fantastic team effort. Everyone involved should be very proud of themselves.”

Our sixth form students have spoken of their joy after securing excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results.

Here’s what some of them had to say …

 

Harvey Blackshaw achieved A* grades in Maths and Further Maths, an A in Physics and a Distinction* in Engineering. He will now study Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Harvey said: “I worked so hard and I’m glad it paid off. I’m thrilled and proud of myself.

“It means so much to me to go to Cambridge and it was amazing when I went for my interview. I didn’t think I would get in, so I’m really excited.

“I’ve loved being a Ron Dearing student and I’ve had so much advice and support from the teachers.”

 

Oliver Moss achieved A grades in Maths and Physics, a B in Chemistry and a Distinction* in Engineering. He has secured a three-year degree apprenticeship in Nuclear Engineering at Rolls Royce.

Oliver said: “I’m really happy. I want to work my way up at Rolls Royce and hopefully work abroad within the industry.

“Being a Ron Dearing UTC student has given me an advantage because of all the support I’ve received.”

 

Scarlet Wedgner achieved a Distinction and Distinction* in Double Engineering and a B in A-level Fine Art. She will now go on to study Curating and Art History at the University of York.

Scarlet said: “I’m so happy I’m going to university. I was so nervous collecting my results.

“The support and attention Ron Dearing staff give you is second to none. Art has always been my passion, which has inspired my university choice.”

 

Madison Harraway achieved a Double Distinction in her Technical Diploma in Creative iMedia and an A grade in A-level Photography. She is going on to study Fashion Business and Manager at Manchester Metropolitan University.

She said: “I’m going to Italy on Sunday, and I wouldn’t have been very happy if I didn’t get the grades I wanted, so now I can relax. I told myself that if I got an A, I’d buy myself a new dress.

“I’m very excited to be going to Manchester. I need to be somewhere creative, so feel like it will be a great place for me.”

 

Lloyd Redshaw achieved a double Distinction* in Engineering and a C in A-level Biology. His grades mean Lloyd has secured his place at the University of Hull to study Forensic Science.

Lloyd said: “I’m really happy with my results. I was really nervous about receiving them, so it was a lovely surprise and I’m relieved that I’ve got what I need to go to the University of Hull.

“Thanks to everyone at Ron Dearing UTC who has helped me to get to this point. I’m looking forward to university life and completing field work as part of my degree.”

 

Olesia Khrypunova achieved an A grade in A-level Maths, B grade in A-level Further Maths, B grade in A-level Physics and a Distinction* in Engineering. She is going to study Aerospace Engineering with a year in industry at the University of Sheffield.

Olesia said: “I joined Ron Dearing in year 12 and have absolutely loved my time here. It’s been so enjoyable and I love my teachers to bits – they have all been so amazing. I’m devastated to be leaving, but equally excited to be going to Sheffield.”

 

Charlie Gibson achieved a Double Distinction in Engineering and will be heading to the University of Lincoln in September to study Architecture.

Charlie said: “Ron Dearing has been a fantastic college. I’ve had the pleasure of being taught by so many great teachers and tutors who have both guided me and pushed me. I am really grateful for that.

“I’m really excited for university. I would like to be a lead architect in the future, helping to create safe designs for future generations.”

 

Jay Rutter achieved A* grades in Maths and Art, and B grades in Further Maths and Physics. He will go on to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sheffield.

Jay said “I’m relieved I got the grades to get into university. You’ve got to be happy with two A* grades!

“I have dedicated my life to my studies and it has paid off. I’ve wanted to go to university for as long as I can remember and I’m ecstatic.

 

Kingsley Abel achieved a Distinction in his EAL Certificate in Engineering, and a Distinction Merit in his Cambridge Technical Diploma in Engineering. He will be heading to Sheffield Hallam University in September.

Kingsley said: “I’m really happy and now just buzzing to get to Sheffield. It was my first choice, and I know a few people there already, so it’s the best choice for me.

“A dream of mine is to own my own business modifying cars. Hopefully the degree will go some way to helping me achieve that.”

 

Noah Willacy achieved a Triple Distinction in Computing and has secured an IT Support apprenticeship at Jupiter IT Solutions, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Major Partners.

Noah said: “I’m very pleased with my results. It was a lot of hard work but I managed to get there in the end.”

 

Lily Knight achieved an A grade in Photography and a Double Distinction* in Creative Digital. She has secured a full-time position as Marketing and Events Coordinator at the award-winning Highfield venue in Driffield.

Lily said: “I’m really happy. I worked really hard and I felt confident collecting my results. It has been a really positive journey for me at Ron Dearing UTC and the staff are so supportive.

“I’m really looking forward to the world of work and learning new things.”

Students at Hull’s university technical college (UTC) are once again celebrating impressive results, following the expansion of the employer-led school.

Sixth form students at Ron Dearing UTC recorded excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results.  More than half of the Year 13 cohort of 143 students are moving on to university, including to prestigious Russel Group universities and the UTC’s partner, the University of Hull.  Others are taking up apprenticeship opportunities with many of the region’s leading businesses.

Last year, the former Central Fire Station in Hull city centre was transformed into the UTC’s state-of-the-art STEAM Studios creative hub and two additional science laboratories were created within the existing school building in nearby Kingston Square.

This increased the school’s capacity from 600 to 800 students from the start of the academic year in September 2023, following funding from the Department for Education’s (DfE) Post-16 Capacity Fund.

Following the expansion, highlights of the UTC’s A-level and Level 3 technical results this year include:

• 41% of all grades are A or A*.
• 91% of grades are A* to C.
• The average grade for A-levels is a B.
• The average grade for Level 3 technical qualifications, including Engineering, Computing and Creative iMedia, is Distinction +.

 

Many of the happy students rang a special celebration bell mounted by Ron Dearing UTC to mark their success. The idea was inspired by the bell rung by gold medal winners at the Paris Olympics, which will be hung in the renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re thrilled with these results, which have been achieved despite the challenges of increasing our student numbers by a third and bringing on board new staff.

“They show that the exceptional levels of attainment, and the quality of teaching and learning, has been maintained while the school has grown.

“Once again, our Year 13 students have achieved fantastic results in their A-levels and technical qualifications and we’re delighted for them.

“They’ve made the most of all the brilliant opportunities available to them at Ron Dearing UTC and done incredibly well in their coursework and exams. It has been a privilege to have them in our school community over the past few years and we’re really proud of their achievements.

“I’d like to pay tribute to our fantastic team for their hard work, high-quality teaching and pastoral support. Also, thanks to our amazing University, Founding and Employer Partners, whose input makes such a huge difference to our curriculum and the knowledge and skills our students gain.

“Our parents and carers have also been crucial partners in our students’ success, working alongside our team to ensure their children receive the best possible support.”

 

Harvey Blackshaw, 18, rang the celebration bell to celebrate achieving A* grades in Maths and Further Maths, an A in Physics and a Distinction* in Engineering. He will now study Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Harvey said: “I worked hard and I’m glad it paid off. I’m thrilled and proud of myself.

“It means so much to me to go to Cambridge and it was amazing when I went for my interview. I didn’t think I would get in, so I’m really excited.

“I’ve loved being a Ron Dearing student and I’ve had so much advice and support from the teachers.”

 

Oliver Moss, 18, achieved A grades in Maths and Physics, a B in Chemistry and a Distinction* in Engineering, and has secured a three-year degree apprenticeship in Nuclear Engineering at Rolls Royce.

Oliver said: “I’m really happy. I want to work my way up at Rolls Royce and hopefully work abroad within the industry.

“Being a Ron Dearing UTC student has given me an advantage because of all the support I’ve received. “

 

Madison Harraway, also 18, is going to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Fashion Business and Management, having achieved a Double Distinction in her Technical Diploma in Creative iMedia and an A in A-level Photography.

She said: “I’m going to Italy on Sunday, and I wouldn’t have been very happy if I didn’t get the grades I wanted, so now I can relax. I told myself that if I got an A, I’d buy myself a new dress.

“I’m very excited to be going to Manchester. I need to be somewhere creative, so feel like it will be a great place for me.”

 

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged 14 to 19, offering a unique employer-led model of education with a specialist focus on Engineering, Maths, Sciences, Computing, Art and Design and English.

Several of the students who have secured a university place will move on to one of the Russell Group of elite higher education institutions, while those preparing for apprenticeships will work with various leading businesses including the UTC’s Founding and Employer Partners.

This year has also seen an increase in the number of students progressing on to degree studies in the science and healthcare sectors and creative industries following the expansion of the UTC’s curriculum. This includes the introduction of A-levels in Art and Photography, as well as a BTEC course in Applied Science.

Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, said: “Ron Dearing UTC’s A-level and Level 3 technical results continue to impress me every year.

“The students’ hard work, drive and determination has once again paid off, supported by the outstanding UTC team, University, Founding and Employer Partners, and their parents and carers.

“It has been wonderful to watch the UTC expand and continue to deliver exceptional results. The students are moving on to very exciting destinations and their time at Ron Dearing UTC has undoubtedly set them up for success.”

• Students who would like to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2025 are invited to attend one of three planned open events on October 3, November 7 and January 9. For more information, and to book a place, go to rondearingutc.com/openevents