Students at Hull’s pioneering business-led school, Ron Dearing UTC, have yet again delivered an impressive set of GCSE and Level 2 technical results, with grades far surpassing the national averages.

The results once more demonstrate that the Ofsted Outstanding-rated school’s employer-shaped curriculum, innovative teaching, hard-working students and supportive parents are a winning combination.

The school achieved a 100% pass rate across every qualification, with an impressive 80% of students achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, compared to the national average, reported in the latest government research, of 65.1%.

Disadvantaged students at the school have also bucked the trend of under-performing compared to their peers, with 52% of white British students in receipt of free school meals achieving a grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared to the national average of just 18.6%.

Key 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.
• 54% of students achieved grades 5 to 9 in English and Maths.
• 70% of students achieved grades 5 to 9 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• 20% of grades in technical specialisms, including Creative iMedia, Digital Technology and Engineering, were Distinction or Distinction*.

 

Principal Sarah Pashley said: “Our Year 11 students have absolutely blown us away, rising to the challenge and delivering results that reflect their sheer determination, grit and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“Across the country, disadvantaged students are too often held back by their circumstances, but, at Ron Dearing UTC, we break that cycle. Nationally, only 18.6% of white British pupils who are eligible for free school meals achieve grade 5 or higher in both English and Maths, whereas our figure is 52%.

“Our inclusive, employer-led approach empowers every student to succeed – no matter their background. Our results aren’t just impressive; they’re proof that our model delivers real opportunity and lasting impact.

“With Year 11 attendance holding firm at an incredible 97%, our students’ dedication speaks volumes. We couldn’t be prouder of them.

“Huge thanks to the parents and carers, our university and employer partners, our teachers and our phenomenal pastoral team, whose support and belief in our students helped make this success story possible.”

Victoria Sibova, 16, swept up in her GCSEs, recording the best results yet by a Ron Dearing UTC GCSEs student.

Victoria racked up eight Grade 9s in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature and Computer Science. She also received a Distinction* in Programmable Systems Engineering.

She will be returning to Ron Dearing UTC in September to study A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Engineering, and aspires to study engineering at university.

Victoria said: “I was really happy with how my exams went, but I was still quite nervous waking up today and coming in to get my results.

“I opened my results with my mum and sister next to me. My mum burst into tears as soon as she saw the results. I’m relieved and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends.”

 

A budding marine biologist has also taken a step closer to her dream career after securing top GCSE results.

Lola Garrod’s grades included Grade 9s in Biology and English Literature, 8s in Physics, English Language and Photography, 7s in Chemistry and Maths and a Level 2 Distinction in iMedia.

She is now preparing to study Biology, Chemistry and Combined English Literature and Language A-levels in Ron Dearing UTC’s Sixth Form, with the goal of going on to university to study marine biology.

Lola, 16, said: “The teachers at Ron Dearing have all been so supportive and are always more than happy to help with anything you need. I’m really looking forward to starting my A-levels, especially Biology because I find it a really interesting subject.”

 

Sadiq Iddrisu secured great grades in all subjects despite undergoing major surgery just last year.

Sadiq, 16, secured impressive grades including 8s in Maths, English Language and the sciences as well a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering, just months after surgery to repair bone damage in his knee.

After missing almost two months of school during his difficult recovery, the support of the Ron Dearing community has propelled Sadiq to success and he is now looking forward to studying Engineering, Maths and Physics in the school’s Sixth Form.

Sadiq said: “The teachers at Ron Dearing were really supportive and helped me a lot during my recovery. I don’t think I would have had that much support at another school.”

 

Football fan Oliver Brown, 16, says he’s a step closer to being “rich and famous” like his Chelsea heroes after securing excellent GCSE Results at Ron Dearing UTC.

Oliver achieved grade 9 in Chemistry and Maths, grade 8s in Biology, English Literature, Physics and Further Maths, grade 7 in English Language and grade 6 in Computer Science.

With a dream to be “rich and famous” when he’s older, Oliver is returning to Ron Dearing UTC for his A-levels, and plans to study Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry.

He said: “I thought the exams went well, but I was still nervous for results. I woke up today panicking a bit, so I was relieved when I got here and opened my envelope.

“I’ve been at Ron Dearing for two years and I’m looking forward to staying on for my A-levels. The school has been really welcoming and supportive.”

 

Lydia Rignall is progressing to Ron Dearing UTC’s Sixth Form to study Film Studies and Fine Art after securing a strong set of GCSE and technical results.

The 16-year-old has overcome challenges with Tourette Syndrome to achieve grades 7 in English Language and Literature, 6 in Art, 5s in Biology and Maths, 4 in Chemistry and a Level 2 Merit in iMedia.

She said: “I’m really pleased with my results, especially Chemistry and Maths as I had really been struggling in both those subjects, but passed both.

“I felt really out of place at my last school. They didn’t understand my Tourettes, but everyone at Ron Dearing has been really accepting.

“Ron Dearing has done wonders for me, I definitely wouldn’t have achieved these results at my old school.”

The excellent results follow hot on the heels of last week’s impressive A-level and Level 3 technical outcomes from Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form students, making it a double celebration for the school.

A total of 165 students from Year 11 will progress into Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form – the highest number to date. They will be joined by 60 students from other schools.

Nearly 500 applications were received for just 225 places in Year 12, confirming Ron Dearing UTC’s status as one of the region’s most sought-after schools.

 

Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, added: “These results are a powerful reflection of the drive, discipline and ambition that set Ron Dearing UTC students apart – exactly the qualities employers and universities are hungry for.

“Our employer-led curriculum isn’t just working; it’s thriving. This is more than academic success – it’s a celebration of teamwork, tenacity and shared purpose. Huge congratulations to every student, teacher, parent and staff member who have made this achievement possible.”

 

Located in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, Ron Dearing UTC serves students aged 14–19 with a curriculum shaped by leading employers and focused on Maths, English, Sciences, Art and Design, Engineering and Computing.

Ron Dearing UTC now has more than 60 Employer Partners who work alongside the school’s experienced teaching staff to equip students with the skills, qualifications and maturity required by leading businesses and vital to supporting the growth of the region’s economy.

The UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council alongside many other Major Partners and Partners.

Pictures: Sean Spencer, Hull News & Pictures.

Our sixth form students have been celebrating after securing excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results, enabling them to progress onto exciting destinations.

Here’s some of the exciting next steps our students are moving onto, as well as what they had to say on results day…

Kai heading into marketing with Founding Partner Spencer Group

Kai Bulliment is progressing onto a marketing and graphic design apprenticeship with one of our Founding Partners, Spencer Group, after achieving an A* in English Language, an A in Photography and a Distinction* in Digital Media.

He said: “I’m just buzzing. I’m a person who typically doesn’t do well in exams. I get brain fog and I’ve really struggled in the past.

“For me, it’s always been hard work and practice. Ron Dearing has been the perfect place for me – the teachers have been amazing and I’m so grateful for all the help I’ve received here.

“I’m so excited to start at Spencer Group. I’m passionate about marketing, and I think when you love a job, you don’t realise you’re in a job at all. I can’t wait to start!”

 

Annabel excited to begin degree apprenticeship with Sheffield Hallam University

Annabel Gregg is heading to Sheffield to start her career journey after achieving a double Distinction* in Digital Technology and an A in A-level English Literature.

Her outstanding grades have secured her place on a prestigious apprenticeship with one of our Major Partners, Cranswick, which includes studying at Sheffield Hallam University as part of the programme.

Annabel said: “I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen, so it’s nice to get the results I needed. I’ve already started my apprenticeship and they’re taking me to university next month.

“I’m an IT apprentice working in the project support department, and I want to be a project manager. The best thing about being at Ron Dearing UTC is that I got a lot of support over my four years here.

“All the teachers were able to help when I needed it, and because it’s quite a small school, you get to know everybody so well.”

 

George overcomes adversity to scoop impressive apprenticeship

George Campbell-Hamilton secured a Distinction in Engineering and is now heading south to Bedford, having secured an exciting apprenticeship working in Government.

When George was just 15 and studying for his GCSEs, doctors discovered a tumour inside his head, which was subsequently removed through surgery. Following his surgery George has made a full recovery and gone on to excel in his studies.

He said “I’ve loved it at Ron Dearing, the support from my teachers has been amazing. When I was poorly, teachers kept in touch with me, and were really kind.

“I’ve always said if you aim high, work hard, then you won’t be too disappointed.”

 

Kitty triumphs over challenges to achieve art success and inspire others

Talented artist Kitty Every is celebrating securing a place on our new Foundation Course after achieving two B grades despite facing significant personal challenges.

Kitty achieved Bs in Fine Art and Graphics Communication after overcoming struggles with undiagnosed ADHD and mental health difficulties.

As part of her college work, Kitty created a film about living with ADHD, which has resonated deeply with audiences and helped raise awareness about the condition.

Kitty said: “This year’s been the most challenging year, but I’m really, really proud of myself. I was predicted Es and 2s, but I managed to pull through and get Bs – I really surprised myself.

“When I came here they were like, ‘this girl’s clearly got ADHD, she needs to get a diagnosis.’ The staff have been amazing throughout that whole process. It’s scary to think what would have happened if I didn’t come to this school and get my diagnosis and all the support.

“The amount of time they’ve spent with me – they really, really care about the students.”

 

Elliott heads to university to pursue passion for science

Budding scientist Elliott Cutts is preparing to move north to Durham University to study Physics after achieving an A* in Physics, an A* in Maths and an A in Chemistry.

Elliott said: “Usually with things like this, I’m really nervous, but, weirdly, I slept really well. I woke up and logged on to UCAS, saw I’d got my place, so I knew my grades must have been what I needed.

“Right now, I want to keep studying and learning. I know I want to do something in research, with science, and to get a better understanding of things.”

 

Mia secures art school place with outstanding A-level results

Talented artist Mia Eaton achieved a grade A in Fine Art, an A in English and a B in 3D Design and is now pursuing her dream career after earning a place to study Illustration at Leeds Art College.

She said: “I’m really excited about starting at Leeds Art College. I’ve always loved drawing from a very young age and to be able to study it at a high level is incredible.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Ron Dearing. It’s a really good school, the teachers have been great, and I’ve met some brilliant people here.”

 

Emily celebrates creative success and lands design apprenticeship

Multi-talented creative student Emily Barton is embarking on an exciting apprenticeship after achieving a a B in A-level Photography, and Cs in Graphic Communication and 3D Design.

Emily is preparing to begin a creative apprenticeship with Generation Hull, where she will combine administrative work with creative projects to gain professional experience.

She said: “I’m really pleased with my results. The apprenticeship is really good because it’s a mixture of admin and creative work, so I’ll get to create stuff but also get introduced to the professional world.

“The best thing about studying at Ron Dearing is everything! The teachers, the students, all the friends that I’ve made throughout the four years.”

Two Ron Dearing students have been recognised for their academic achievements and potential after securing sought after scholarships to help cover their university tuition fees

Josh Gray and Giacomo Davies, both 18, received their A-level results last week and are now heading to university with peace of mind, having been awarded top scholarships that will cover their finances.

Josh has been awarded a bursary from the JVenn Foundation, an organisation which provides four bursaries to disadvantaged students currently residing in the Hull region who are going to university or on to other further education.

Since joining the UTC in Year 12, Josh has completed A-levels in maths, biology and physics, as well as completing a qualification in AEA maths, and AS further maths.

After securing three B’s in Biology, Math and Physics, as well as a C in Further Maths, he will be going on to study Biomedical Engineering at University of Sheffield.

Josh said: “When I received the bursary, I felt a great sense of relief, I know university is just as much of a financial challenge as it is an educational challenge.

“The bursary will make a huge difference. As a student from a disadvantaged background, finances have always been a worry for me. Securing this bursary means I won’t have to work as many hours to support my studies, so I can focus fully on my education and reach my full potential.”

Josh has thanked the team at Ron Dearing for supporting him through his education and preparing him for his next steps.

He said: “Ron Dearing has been extremely helpful over the past two years and the excellent faculty of staff is always willing to help. Everyone is approachable, and students are encouraged to ask for support both in and out of the classroom.

“The team offers a huge amount of guidance when it comes to university and further education applications. From the start of Year 12, we receive regular information about work experience and other opportunities to help us stand out. For example, my teachers sent me details on how to apply for summer schools at Imperial College London and the University of Leeds, and helped me gain access to both. That experience taught me a lot about university life and helped confirm the course and path I wanted to follow.

“It’s also thanks to the Ron Dearing team that I successfully secured the JVenn Bursary. My application included a detailed reference from Claire Fisher, the school’s Lead Practitioner for Russell Group & Oxbridge Destinations Support, who goes above and beyond to help students achieve the best outcomes.

“Overall, the UTC community and staff have made a huge difference. Without them, I may not have applied for some of these opportunities – never mind succeeded in securing them.”

 

Fellow student, Giacomo Davies has secured one of just ten Chancellor’s Scholarship Awards from the University of Hull, which will cover his full tuition fees for his undergraduate degree.

Giacomo has been at Ron Dearing UTC since Year 10, completing both his GCSE and A-level studies at the school.

After securing A*’s in English and Biology as well as an A in Chemistry, Giacomo is preparing to begin a Biochemistry degree at University of Hull in September.

The University’s Chancellor’s Scholarship was launched for 2024/25 and will run for three years, following the appointment of former Secretary of State for Education and MP for Kingston upon Hull West and Hessle, the Right Honourable Alan Johnson, who is also a patron of Ron Dearing UTC.

Applications are assessed on academic achievement, motivation, and academic potential in the student’s chosen field of study, as well as communication skills. Judges also consider the originality of each application and how the student might contribute to the University and wider student experience beyond the classroom.

Giacomo said: “I was over the moon when I found out I had been awarded the scholarship, I knew it was a very competitive process so I wasn’t expecting to be successful.

“Having the scholarship provides me with financial security and educational freedom during my studies, and it also enables me to live at home with my family while completing my studies.

“The staff at Ron Dearing have been so supportive during over the last four years, and it was actually one of my teachers who told me about The Chancellor’s Scholarship, encouraged me to apply and supported me with my application, so it’s thanks to their support that I know have the security and further opportunities offered by the scholarship.”

 

Principal Sarah Pashley, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Josh and Giacomo have managed to secure these prestigious scholarships which will be hugely beneficial to them as they embark on their exciting university careers.

“They are both exceptional students and we’re really looking forward to seeing them excel on their degree courses and their future career pathways.”