Hundreds of prospective Ron Dearing UTC students turned out for the most popular open event the school has ever seen.
About 800 students and their parents or carers packed the employer-led school’s conference centre during three presentations across the evening – almost double the attendance at last year’s first of three open events.
Students who would like to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2025 were able to meet the UTC team, students and Employer Partners, as well as finding out more about the unique curriculum, exciting opportunities available to them and expectations regarding behaviour and attendance.
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley and Senior Assistant Principal Nicky Miller talked about subjects and course options, the importance of students building their personal brand, the school’s outstanding exam results and the amazing destinations that students have moved on to.
Attendees toured the school and STEAM Studios, the UTC’s creative hub, while watching demonstrations in each department, including Engineering, Science, Computing, Art, 3D and Photography.
Max Colclough, 13, who hopes to join the school in Year 10 next year, attended the open event with his parents, Phil and Emma.
Max said: “I’m interested in engineering and I’m impressed by the results Ron Dearing students have achieved. I like maths and I love a challenge. I would love to come to this school and the equipment they have is great.”
Dad Phil said: “It was really good to have a look around the school and see demonstrations taking place with teachers and students. We’re really impressed.”
Prospective Year 10 student Logan Smith, who attended with his parents Cheryl and Paul, said: “I’m really creative and I love the Art department. It’s an amazing school.”
Stan Harland, 15, who hopes to join the sixth form in Year 12 next year, said: “I’m interested in engineering and it’s my dream to work with cars. I have an interest in all things mechanical and I’m looking at applying for an apprenticeship. There are so many opportunities at Ron Dearing.”
Ava Mearns, 15, is already a Year 11 student at the UTC and attended the open event to find out more about the school’s sixth form offer.
She said: “Ron Dearing UTC is a really good school and you’re treated as an adult. The teachers are really nice, the facilities are amazing and you get so much support.
“I really want to stay on in the sixth form to study Art and Design and Engineering Design because I’d like to become an architect in the future.”
Principal Sarah Pashley said: “The open event was our busiest ever and we’re delighted with the response.
“It was fantastic to be able to share more about our fantastic school with so many enthusiastic and engaged young people, and their parents and carers.
“Our next two open events are on course to be just as popular as the demand for places at Ron Dearing UTC increases every year.
“We hope those who attended felt inspired and excited as they met their prospective teachers and some of our current students and Employer Partners.”
Ron Dearing’s next open events will take place on November 7 and January 9. Places for prospective Year 10 students are now full on November 7, but limited places are available for prospective Year 12 students.
Places are still available for both year groups on January 9, 2025. Click here to find out more and book a place.