Ron Dearing UTC students have secured their place in the national finals of a global Formula 1 racing-inspired competition.

Two teams from the employed-led school – Vortex Racing and Mach Racing – entered the F1 in Schools challenge, the world’s largest Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition, for the first time this year.

Based on the official F1 model, the teams designed and manufactured their miniature cars using specialist computer software. They also developed their brand, time management and budgeting skills, built their social media presence and linked up with businesses to raise thousands of pounds in sponsorship for their teams.

The competition cars are powered by CO2 cartridges and are attached to a 25-metre track by a nylon wire and raced. They are timed by a computer from the moment they are launched to when they pass the finish line.

The regional finals of the competition were broadcast on YouTube on October 6 and 7, with the Ron Dearing UTC teams competing against 19 other schools across Yorkshire, the Humber and the East Midlands.

 

Vortex Racing were crowned the regional champions and will now compete in the national finals as part of the Autosport International Show at the NEC Birmingham from January 12 to 14, with the chance of qualifying for the world finals.

The team also posted the fastest race time overall in the Yorkshire and Humber region in the first day of the regional finals, with their car achieving 1.234 seconds from start to finish on the track.

The UTC’s Mach Racing team also won the Star Quality: Verbal Presentation Award for the region, which highlighted their ability to engage with the judges while describing their work.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal – Employer Engagement at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “The students have worked so hard and it’s fantastic to see their dedication recognised.

“To be crowned regional champions in the first year Ron Dearing UTC has entered the competition is an incredible achievement.

“This is testament to the time and effort they’ve put in and the amazing backing they’ve received from our employer partners other leading regional businesses.

“Well done to both Vortex Racing and Mach Racing. We’re looking to seeing how far Vortex can progress in the next stage of the competition in January.”

As part of their fundraising and networking efforts, both teams held a fundraising event at Porsche Centre Hull at the Bridgehead business park in Hessle earlier this year, which raised thousands of pounds towards offsetting the costs of each team and their potential participation at each level of the competition.

 

The event saw more than 100 invited guests meet the teams, listen to their pitches, race F1 in Schools-style cars and take part in a silent auction and raffle.

The teams pitched to potential sponsors, including representatives from the UTC’s employer partners, other leading businesses across the region and the students’ families and friends, about how their logos would be displayed and promoted on an international stage in the competition.

Year 11 student Zach Craig, 15, of Vortex Racing, said: “We’re over the moon with the performance of the team and our car during the regional event. The hard work has paid off and the knowledge we’ve gained will go a long way into our engineering careers.

“We couldn’t have achieved any of this without the amazing support from our sponsors. We’re looking forward to the national finals and can’t wait to make our sponsors and Ron Dearing UTC proud.”

The Vortex Racing sponsors are AJ Building Ltd; Rix Oil; Jupiter IT Support; Cool Hand Luke; Barak Forklifts; Tracy Westwood; G4 Design and Print; House of Townend; Pizza Mama; Influence Media and backers of the silent auction.

Year 13 student Mercy Macfarlane, 17, of Mach Racing, said: “It has been a fantastic opportunity to develop my communication skills and my design and manufacture abilities. We’re really proud to have won the award for best verbal presentation and would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support as we look towards next year’s race season.”

The Mach Racing sponsors are ARCO; Tommy Coyle; Siemens Gamesa; Sowden and Sowden; Autodesk and Dresses with Pockets.

Other Vortex Racing team members include Year 11 students Rhyse McCloud, Thomas Jimmeson and Keanu Mkhize, all 15, and Year 13 students Jack Macmillan and Kieran Thompson, both 17.

Mach Racing also include Year 13 student Jessica MacLachlan, 17.

Students at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have been given a high-tech first glimpse of exactly how their state-of-the-art school will look once expansion work is complete.

The employer-led school in Kingston Square has been oversubscribed every year since it opened its doors in 2017. Following significant funding from the Department for Education (DfE), it is increasing student places from 600 to 800 to meet growing demand.

Phase one of the expansion, completed in August, involved remodelling areas of the existing school building to create two new science laboratories, a new science classroom and additional independent study space for sixth formers.

Phase two includes the renovation and repurposing of the former Central Fire Station next door to the school into a satellite site.

Contractor Sewell Construction organised a mixed and augmented reality (AR) tour of the former fire station for the Ron Dearing UTC Student Design and Build Team, who used the latest holographic technology to bring the architect’s plans to life based on a 3D model of the site.

 

They used headsets, hollow lens equipment, tablets and mobile phones to visualise exactly how each area of the building will look, scanning QR codes to pinpoint various parts of the project.

The space was brought to life during the tour, enabling students to digitally feel part of the finished environment.

Mark Boothby, Joint Managing Director of Sewell Construction, which is embedding AR technology across the business, said: “Until this technology became more available, the only way to view the finished outcome was on a fixed screen or wait until it is constructed.

“Now, you can take it to site to compare it to the real-life environment, rather than having to rely on  2D information, and this approach will be used even more widely in the years ahead.

“It’s important for us to show the students where the industry and technology is heading and vitally important they are aware of it. Some of them may want to work in the construction industry and this is showing them the future.”

 

The ground floor of the former fire station will house a “smart” exhibition centre which will be used by students and the UTC’s employer partners to showcase low carbon technologies and lead the green revolution across the region. It will also double up as a creative exhibition space to host artists in residence, art exhibitions, arts markets and community arts projects.

The first and second floors will be home to STEAM Studios, which will provide the UTC’s fast-growing Creative specialism with three first class art and design studios, a ceramics room, printmaking facilities and two high-tech digital labs. Floor one will also house a brand new Sixth Form Centre.

The project is being carried out with a strong emphasis on sustainable construction practises, making use of green technologies to bring the former fire station back to life and ensure it is transformed into a vibrant, low carbon building.

Year 12 student Molly Warburton, 16, used both mixed and augmented reality (AR) technology during the tour and saw the former fire station brought to life as a working learning environment.

She said: “I could see a creative studio through the lens and I was really impressed by the level of detail. It’s a really exciting time for Ron Dearing UTC and it’s brilliant to see how the fire station will look when it’s finished. The tour was really interesting and a great opportunity for students.”

 

Fellow Year 12 student Lleyton Sharpe, 16, who hopes to secure an engineering apprenticeship in the future, said: “The tour was really good because it’s teaching us additional skills using new technology and helping us understand more about sustainability. You don’t often see this side of a building project.

“The expansion will be great for students in the future and I think more people will want to come and learn at Ron Dearing UTC.”

Work to expand Ron Dearing UTC began earlier this year after Hull City Council gave the go-ahead for the plans. Hull Esteem Consortium LEP Ltd is acting as project managers on the expansion scheme, Space Architects drew up the plans and BuildingPoint UK and Ireland provided the technology for the student tour.

Lynn Garland-Collins, Director of Creativity at Ron Dearing UTC, said: “The tour showcased the importance of learning digital skills to open up further opportunities in the future and support students into exciting careers in the creative, construction, digital and renewables industries.

“Our creative pathway is in high demand and we’re delighted we’ll be able to accommodate so many more Year 12 students in such wonderful, purpose-built, creative facilities.

 

“The additional space and specialist facilities also means we can increase the number of creative qualifications we can offer, including A-levels in Graphics and Product Design in addition to the Photography, Fine Art and iMedia courses we already run.”

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged from 14 to 19 and offers a unique model of employer-led education with a specialist focus on digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering.

The expansion will enable an additional 200 students to study Level 3 qualifications in engineering, creative and digital and provide local industry with additional highly skilled and qualified potential employees every year.

Hundreds of prospective students attended an open event at Ron Dearing UTC to find out more about the Ofsted-‘Outstanding’ rated school and view its first class facilities.

Students who hope to join the UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2023 turned out for the first of three open events, meeting the team, employer partners and current and former students while hearing more about the unique employer-led curriculum.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley and Head of School Steve Willacy told students and their parents and carers about the support and opportunities the school’s employer partners offer students and how they help shape the curriculum in line with skills they want to see in their future workforces.

They also outlined how Ron Dearing UTC students follow a 40-hour working week, with homework scheduled into their school days, and how professional behaviours are instilled in the students from the moment they join, giving them the edge in their future careers.

Sarah highlighted the school’s extensive Enrichment and Cultural Capital programme, which encourage students to broaden their horizons and grow to become happy, confident and well-rounded individuals who appeal to employers and universities.

 

She said: “In addition to the qualifications students follow, we encourage them to participate in a wide breadth of experiences which help them to develop wider interests and discover who they are and how they fit into the world we live in.  We want them to develop their ‘personal brand’ and be able to talk about this articulately.

“This makes them very attractive to universities and employers alike. It also and also puts them in a good position to set up their own businesses, if they wish.”

Attendees heard about the UTC’s exceptional exam results and the positive destinations students have moved onto since leaving the school.

Sarah said: “We know that what we’re doing works because Ofsted rated us as Outstanding and were unable to identify a single improvement area. It was great to get such a strong stamp of approval.

“The Ofsted feedback we’re most proud of is that inspectors told us that every student they spoke to said staff at our school really care about them – and we do.”

 

As well as sharing information about the range of GCSEs, A-levels and technical qualifications on offer, Steve highlighted less traditional opportunities available to sixth form students, including driving lessons and health and safety, first aid and Microsoft qualifications.

Violet Cook, 13, hopes to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 next year and attended the open event with her mum, Sarah, and sister Hermione, 15, who is a Year 11 student at the school.

Violet said: “Ron Dearing UTC seems like a really good school and the staff treat you like an adult. I’m interested in photography and the creative side of learning and I like the thought of learning in a professional working environment.”

Hermione said: “Ron Dearing UTC has really helped me to grow as a person, not just in education. I’ve met so many nice people and been given many opportunities.”

Mackenzie Dennison-Buchan, 15, hopes to join Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form next year and attended the open event with his parents, Tracey Dennison and Dave Buchan.

 

Mackenzie said: “Ron Dearing UTC has really good exam results and job success for students. I’m interested in mechanics and it’s great to meet the employer partners. I’ve already applied for a place at the UTC and I hope I’m successful.”

Ron Dearing UTC is currently undergoing expansion to increase its capacity from 600 to 800 students following growing demand.

Work to remodel the existing school building is now complete and work is underway to transform the former Central Fire Station next door to the school into a satellite school, which is due to open in June 2023.

There are 150 places for Year 10 students to join Ron Dearing UTC in September 2023 and 200 places available in Year 12. More than 5,000 students are eligible to apply in each year group.

Visit www.rondearingutc.com/apply to apply and find out more.

Budding gardeners from Ron Dearing UTC are putting their green-fingered skills into action after starting work on transforming external areas of the school.

“Shrub Club” comprises of students from Year 10, 11 and 12 who are interested in the outdoors and bringing colour to the city centre site, as well as creating a wildlife-friendly haven.

A team of four students joined UTC Principal Sarah Pashley to clear patches of land at the side of the school, next to the car park and entrance, before planting 60 lavender plants to create a hedge and five buddleia plants to bring colour to a wall.

They have also planted 35 roses bushes alongside various spring and summer-flowering bulbs to brighten the area all year round.

 

A £1,500 budget has been set aside for the project and students liaised with local residents to bring it to life.

Year 10 student Gabrielle Robinson, 15, said: “I really like gardening and flowers. We’re making a positive contribution to the school environment.”

Year 11 student Morgan-Lee Holderness, 15, said: “Last year I planted some flowers and weeded during my lunch break. I really enjoy coding but I also like gardening and I’m looking forward to seeing these flowers bloom.”

Year 12 student Skylar Dawson, 16, said: “I want to help the environment and encourage others to do the same. I love being outside and it’s great to improve this space for local residents.”

 

Sarah said: “This project has been led entirely by the students and it’s fantastic to see so many showing a keen interest in helping to brighten our outside environment.

“We’re going for all round colour and drought resistant plants and we’re looking forward to seeing the end results.”

Representatives from Ron Dearing UTC’s employer partners attended an event to find out how they can help shape the curriculum this year and celebrate the school’s recent successes.

The school’s second employer breakfast meeting saw staff from almost 20 businesses attend and enjoy breakfast and networking, including Founding Partners, Major Partners and Partners.

Glenn Jensen, Senior Assistant Principal and Head of Engineering at Ron Dearing UTC, told attendees how they can help to influence the curriculum, including attending open evenings, leading student CV workshops and mock interview sessions, giving inspiring industry-led talks and offering opportunities to students seeking apprenticeships.

He also shared the school’s recent outstanding A-level, GCSE and technical qualification results, highlighting the record achievements and celebrating fantastic outcomes despite the challenges resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley provided the employer partners with an update on the school’s expansion plans to meet increasing demand for places.

Following significant funding from the Department for Education (DfE), work to remodel the existing school building is now complete and work is underway to transform the former Central Fire Station next door to the school.

The former fire station will include an exhibition centre, three art and design studios, two digital studios, a sixth form centre and additional office space.

Glenn said: “We’re holding the employer breakfast meetings once every term and it was fantastic to see such a good turnout for our second event.

“It’s a really exciting time for Ron Dearing UTC and we’re going from strength to strength. We’re incredibly grateful to our employer partners for their continued support to inspire our students.”

 

Kristiana Klasena, Talent Acquisition Specialist at KCOM, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, said: “The employer breakfast meetings keep us up to date with Ron Dearing UTC’s latest news and keep us connected.

“We’re looking forward to taking on more talented Ron Dearing UTC apprentices in the near future.”

Rachael Taylor, Junior Talent Acquisition and HR Advisor at rural internet specialist Quickline, one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Major Partners, said: “It’s our first year as a Major Partner and it’s good for us to network with other businesses to see how they approach taking on apprentices from the UTC.

“We want to develop the younger generation to help them understand what opportunities are available to them in the future.”

Ron Dearing UTC students experienced a week of engaging and exciting events at the launch of a dedicated programme to promote culture and creativity.

The aim of the programme is to give students access to art, literature, film, music, politics, science and more, opening their eyes to the wider world and broadening their horizons beyond the classroom.

The launch week saw jugglers, an opera singer, a pianist, acrobats, fire performers, circus workshops and artists fill the students’ breaks and lunchtimes with performances, art and culture to inspire them.

Year 10 students will have one dedicated Cultural Capital lesson per week throughout the academic year and any related content will be flagged to all students with a logo as they continue their studies and become more aware of their cultural learning.

Chris Berry, Assistant Principal Cultural capital at Ron Dearing UTC, who is leading the Cultural Capital programme, said: “Cultural Capital is the golden thread that runs through education. It’s about giving students access to the best that has been thought and said.

 

“Cultural Capital is clearly visible in all lessons, including Science, Maths and Engineering, and we want to draw attention to that to encourage our students to look beyond the curriculum. In Maths, for example, it’s important students know John Venn came from Hull and invented the Venn Diagram.

“These lessons will be informative and enjoyable and we can plan the programme around what’s going on in the world.

“School isn’t just about passing exams. It’s about who we are, who we want to become and enjoying the world around us. We do things differently at Ron Dearing UTC and students can expect the unexpected. If they become interested in just one element, that’s our mission accomplished.”

The Cultural Capital programme will include various elements including music and writing linked to Black History Month, LGBTQIA+ art over the years, lessons focused on the influence of war on art and culture, and a look at self-help books during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Students will not be tested or assessed on Cultural Capital and will be encouraged to embrace and enjoy it.

 

Various guest speakers and artists are booked for the coming months, including Grand Slam Poetry Champion Harry Baker, and a flood mitigation event is planned for students to attend at the Houses of Parliament with Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy later this year.

Cultural Capital is part of Ron Dearing UTC’s Horizons programme, which also focuses on professionalism, relationships and wellbeing.

Chris said: “Our students are not just leaving school with great qualifications, they’re also leaving with confidence and cultural awareness. Culture is out there for them to access and enjoy and we wholeheartedly support that.

“Everyone enjoyed the launch and the feedback was excellent. We’re grateful to all the performers and artists who joined us throughout the week.”

While Cultural Capital lessons will initially be focused on Year 10, the programme could be rolled out to include Year 11 students in the future.

 

Year 10 student Jim Hagar, 14, said: “Cultural Capital will help us broaden our horizons and help us to be more appealing to employers in the future. It’s really interesting and all of the artists and performers were great.”

Fellow Year 10 student Heidi Bishoprick, 14, said: “The week introduced me to a lot of new things which I didn’t realise I’d find interesting. The fire performer was really good and the week broadened my idea of what culture is.”

Leading engineering business Spencer Group has continued to grow its workforce by taking on 14 more talented apprentices from Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC).

Spencer Group, which is one of Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners, has employed 42 apprentices from Hull’s employer-led school in just three years.

The relationship between the school and one of Hull’s leading businesses has created a productive pipeline of fresh talent for the engineering industry as well as opening up exciting and rewarding opportunities for dozens of young people.

Former Ron Dearing UTC students now make up a significant proportion of the company’s workforce of more than 300 directly-employed staff.

Sarah Pashley, Principal of Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated Ron Dearing UTC, said: “It’s fantastic to see another 14 of our students embarking on such brilliant apprenticeships with Spencer Group.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of our Founding and Employer Partners who continue to offer these exciting career opportunities.”

 

The latest entry-level roles include nine Engineering Apprentices, one Mechanical Apprentice, one Electrical Apprentice, two Marketing Apprentices and one Scheduling Apprentice.

Charlie Spencer OBE, Executive Chairman and founder of Spencer Group, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to take on so many apprentices from Ron Dearing again this year.

“They’ve had an outstanding experience at Ron Dearing, which has prepared them for the world of work with its employer-led model of education, and now they’ll learn from excellent mentors at Spencer Group during the next stage of their development.”

Spencer Group employed 14 apprentices from Ron Dearing UTC three years ago, followed by a further five two years ago and nine last year, with many more planned for future intakes.

Yvonne Moir, HR Director at Spencer Group, said: “We became involved with the UTC at the beginning because we wanted access to a pipeline of talented young people who would develop their careers with us. Those hopes have come to fruition and our original apprentices are now excelling in permanent roles.

“There’s no doubt that the education and employability skills instilled in students from the moment they join Ron Dearing UTC help them to hit the ground running with us as work-ready employees.”

 

Existing apprentices and former Ron Dearing UTC students who have completed their apprenticeships with Spencer Group help mentor the new intake each year.

Harrison Ryan is looking forward to developing his skills and knowledge after joining Spencer Group as an Engineering Apprentice.

He said: “It’s amazing to be here. Spencer Group is a brilliant company to work for and I can’t wait to get going.”

Ellen White, who has joined as a Marketing Apprentice, said: “I’m so excited to start. They look after you at Spencer Group and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Luke Blackwood has also joined as an Engineering Apprentice.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” he said. “Ron Dearing was a brilliant experience. All the teachers push you to be the best you can and they treat you like an adult, which really helps the transition to the world of work.”

Fellow Engineering Apprentice Declan Longley added: “I’m really excited to be starting and to learn more about the business and the industry.”

Ron Dearing UTC students have completed a pioneering workshop to learn top tips which have helped some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

Smarter Britain is a new business created by father and son entrepreneurs, adventurers and speakers Kevin and Matt Gaskell and ultimately aims to support entrepreneurs to build 1,000 new businesses in 1,000 days in Britain.

The two-day workshop, held at Ron Dearing UTC, was attended by Year 11, 12 and 13 students during the summer holidays and provided students with practical advice and tools to help them kick-start a successful business and build their own company.

Kevin was recognised as one of the UK’s top 40 leaders after driving the turnaround at industry giants Porsche, leading five years of growth at BMW and guiding the iconic Lamborghini brand.

He has built and transformed 15 companies since setting up his first internationally successful technology business and has now established Smarter Britain with Matt to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

 

The workshop included learning more about the role of an entrepreneur, what a company is, how to build a marketing plan, business and financial planning, how to raise funding, understanding the market, team activities, business plan presentations and input from two leading entrepreneurs.

Graham Francis, owner of Cottingham-based Graham Francis Driving School, and Kate Goodman, owner of Reserve Wines in Manchester, told their success stories and shared how they became entrepreneurs, how they overcame challenges, what they would do differently if they started again and provided their best piece of advice for budding business founders.

Kevin, who has held Chief Executive Officer and Chairman positions for three decades, said: “We invited the Ron Dearing UTC students to build a plan for their own businesses and there were some really interesting ideas.

“They’re not thinking small – they’re thinking about serious businesses. Their ideas ranged from video games and sustainable clothing businesses to hydrogen-powered vehicle technology and solar-powered vehicles. I’m really impressed.

“These students have come along to this workshop during their summer holidays and that level of motivation and interest is immense.”

Smarter Britain follows a similar approach to an organisation Kevin is involved with in South Africa which has helped local entrepreneurs to create more than 3,000 new businesses.

Kevin and Matt also take a positive approach outside of their business interests. They have completed treks to both the North and South Poles and climbed some of the world’s highest mountains to raise money for cancer research. The father and son duo were also part of a five-person crew which set a new record for the fastest ever row across the Atlantic Ocean in 2020, raising funds to fight against plastics polluting the oceans.

 

Matt, who runs a leadership development business alongside Smarter Britain, said: “We can tailor the Smarter Britain workshop to different age groups. This was the first workshop we organised since we recently launched the business and the scale of the students’ ideas was amazing.”

Year 11 student Aoife Curran-Smirk, 15, who took part in the workshop, said: “We came up with the idea of a solar-powered vehicle business and built a plan around that. The workshop was eye-opening and I enjoyed learning how a proper business starts out and works.”

Fellow Year 11 student Mazin Amudi, 15, said: “We wanted to create a hydrogen-powered car company and we learnt how to start a business, promote it and persuade people to invest in it. I’d like to be an entrepreneur and the workshop was a great experience for me.”

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We have a great track record of preparing students for university and apprenticeships and this workshop specifically focuses on developing young entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses.

“This is the start of developing and building on what we offer and we hope to see a number of start-up companies coming out of Ron Dearing UTC in the future.

“We’re looking forward to working with Kevin and Matt as we roll this out across the school as part of our sixth form employability programme and to other UTCs and schools in the future.”

To find out more about Smarter Britain, visit www.smarterbritain.co.uk

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) students are celebrating outstanding GCSE and Level 2 technical results.

The grades surpassed expectations and significantly exceeded targets despite the 150 Year 11 cohort spending a substantial part of the past two years studying online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Harvey Blackshaw, 16, achieved eight GCSEs including grade 9 in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics and Computer Science, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Systems Control in Engineering.

 

He will now progress to Ron Dearing’s sixth form to study Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Engineering, following his ambitions of securing an engineering degree apprenticeship.

Harvey said: “I didn’t think I’d achieve these results because of so much online learning during the pandemic.

“But we have so many resources at Ron Dearing UTC and our great teachers have been so willing to help us every step of the way. I’m really looking forward to sixth form.”

 

Molly Warburton, 16, achieved six GCSEs including grade 6 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature and Art, as well as a Level 2 Merit in Engineering.

She will now go on to study Biology, Chemistry and English at Ron Dearing’s sixth form.

Molly said: “I was so nervous about my results, especially Maths, but I’m very happy. I worked so hard to complete the higher papers in my science exams and I’ve had great support from the teachers.

 

“It’s brilliant that we have access to Employer Partners because it gives us an advantage and opens up a lot of opportunities. I really enjoy being a Ron Dearing UTC student and I’d like to go to university to study dentistry in the future.”

Lloyd Redshaw achieved seven GCSEs including grade 7 in Biology, Maths, English Language and Computer Science, as well as Level 2 Distinction in Systems Control in Engineering.

He will now go on to study Double A-level Biology and Systems Control in Engineering at Ron Dearing’s sixth form in September, as he aims to become a microbiologist in the future.

 

He said: “I want to work in developing vaccines and finding cures for illnesses in the future. Coming to Ron Dearing UTC is helping me with that because the focus on science is great.”

Francesca Wilkes-Oliver, 16, achieved eight GCSEs including Level 9 in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, as well as a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering Design.

She is staying at Ron Dearing UTC for her A-levels, and will study Physics, Maths, Biology and OCR Engineering.

 

Francesca said: “I was delighted and relieved when I opened my results. I’ve loved being at Ron Dearing so far and I’m really pleased to be staying on for A-levels.”

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) is celebrating outstanding GCSE and Level 2 technical results as the school prepares to take on its highest ever number of sixth form students.

The grades surpassed expectations and significantly exceeded targets despite the 150 Year 11 cohort spending a substantial part of the past two years studying online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Almost 500 students applied for places at the school’s sixth form this year – the highest number of applications received since it opened its doors in 2017.

More than 350 students will now complete the sixth form across Years 12 and 13 from September, including 120 existing students who secured top marks progressing into Year 12, cementing the growing popularity of the school’s unique employer-led model of education.

Highlights of the GCSE and Level 2 technical results include:

• 81% of students achieved grades 4-9 in both English and Maths
• 62% of students achieved grades 5-9 in English and Maths
• 86% of students achieved grades 4-9 in Sciences
• 61% of students achieved grades 5-9 in Sciences
• 95% of students achieved grades 5-9 in technical specialisms, including Art and Design, Creative iMedia, Digital Technology and Engineering

 

The excellent results come one week after Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated Ron Dearing sixth form students achieved record A-level and Level 3 technical results for the fifth consecutive year, despite the disruption caused to their education by Covid-19. This followed the students’ first external exams, as their GCSEs in 2020 were based on teacher assessed grades.

The growth in the UTC’s sixth form numbers comes as work to expand and increase its capacity is underway.

The first phase of remodelling the existing building in Hull’s Kingston Square is due to be completed by the end of August.

This will include additional independent study space and new science laboratories, enabling the UTC to take on an additional 80 Year 12 students from September. The intake will increase to a further 120 students by September 2023, taking Ron Dearing’s overall capacity to 800.

The expansion plans also involve creating a new hi-tech learning centre in the former Central Fire Station next to the school, including a large sixth form centre.

Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “Just like with our Year 13 results last week, our Year 11 results are even better than the very strong teacher assessed grades our students achieved last year.

“The exam boards have stated they have adjusted the grade boundaries so that the number of top grades and passes awarded falls midway between the last set of external exams in 2019 and the teacher assessed grades. It means these results are even more impressive.

“It’s an amazing achievement considering all the challenges our students have had to overcome due to the pandemic and they have demonstrated incredible determination and resilience.

 

“I’m absolutely thrilled they have achieved the fantastic results they deserve and delighted they can go on to follow the courses they want to study next year.

“The overwhelming majority of students have chosen to continue their learning in our sixth form. It’s a huge relief we secured funding to extend our building and create the extra space we need to fit them all in!”

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged 14 to 19 and has a specialist focus on digital technology, art and design, creative digital and engineering. While 120 students will progress into Year 12 next month, 27 have secured a mixture of apprenticeships or places at further education colleges and three will embark on careers in the Armed Forces.

Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, said: “These brilliant results are further proof that our unique, employer-engaged approach to learning really works.

“Having fantastic education leaders, teachers and support staff working in close partnership with the region’s leading businesses not only ensures our students develop exceptional employability skills, but also supports them to achieve top class exam results.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the vital role our parents and carers play in supporting their children and our school. They’ve worked with us every step of the way.

“The students have met every challenge the pandemic has thrown at them and come out on top. They are amazing and truly deserve this success.”

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 alongside many other Major Partners and Partners.