Students at Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have once again achieved excellent GCSE and Level 2 technical results.
The Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated school, which last week announced fantastic A-level and Level 3 technical results, is now celebrating further success for a sixth consecutive year.
Over 500 students have applied for places at the school’s sixth form this year – the highest number of applications since it opened in 2017.
A total of 375 students will now complete the sixth form across Years 12 and 13 from September, including 130 existing students who secured top marks progressing into Year 12.
Highlights of the GCSE and Level 2 technical results include:
- 81% of students achieved grades 4-9 in both English and Maths
- 60% of students achieved grades 5-9 in English and Maths
- 89% of students achieved Grade 4-9 in Sciences
- 67% of students achieved grades 5-9 in Sciences
- 96% of students achieved grades 5-9 in technical specialisms, including Art and Design, Creative iMedia, Digital Technology and Engineering
The school is now preparing to welcome its largest ever intake of students after the completion of expansion work, creating capacity for an additional 200 places.
New facilities include science laboratories and independent study spaces in the UTC’s main building in Kingston Square, and the state-of-the-art STEAM Studios centre for creativity, which is based next door to the school in the renovated and repurposed former Central Fire Station.
It comprises a gallery and exhibition space, digital and photography studios, 2D and 3D studios and an additional sixth form independent study centre.
It means Ron Dearing UTC, which has been oversubscribed every year since it opened, is increasing student places from 600 to more than 800 as demand continues to grow.
Students enrolling on Year 12 creative courses on Thursday, August 24 will be given a tour of the new centre, to see where they will be learning in September.
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We were over the moon with our Year 13 results last week, and this week it’s the turn of our Year 11 students to excel. They’ve absolutely smashed it out the park! We are so proud of them.
“Despite the exam boards returning marking to pre-pandemic standards, our results are even better than last year.
“Our students have performed brilliantly in all subjects. Results in the core subjects, English, Maths and Sciences, are extremely strong. Performance in our specialisms of Creative, Engineering and Digital is incredible – 96% of students achieved a grade 5 or higher.
“I’m delighted that these results will enable our students to progress onto their chosen destinations. The majority have chosen to return to continue their studies in our sixth form and I can’t wait to welcome them back and show them the amazing new facilities in STEAM Studios.”
Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged 14 to 19 and has a specialist focus on Maths, Engineering, Digital Technology and Computing, Art, Photography and Design, and Science (including Biomedical Science and Healthcare). While 130 students will embark on further education at the UTC in Year 12 next month, 32 have secured a mixture of apprenticeships or places at further education colleges and three will begin careers in the Armed Forces.
Amaya Newman, 16, is currently Hull’s Young Mayor. She achieved nine GCSEs including grade 9 in English Literature and English Language, and a Level 2 Distinction* in IT and Creative Media.
She is focused on pursuing a career in politics and recently spent a day at Westminster with Hull West and Hessle MP Emma Hardy discussing the impact of climate change on the city and Humber region.
Amaya said: “Since joining Ron Dearing two years ago, I feel I’ve found my place and found my feet.
“The teachers have been really good and the leadership at the school is brilliant.”
Luke Simms, 16, achieved seven GCSEs including grade 8 in English Literature and Maths, grade 7 in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, grade 6 in English Language and grade 5 in Computer Science.
He also achieved a Distinction* in Engineering Design and will go on to study Double Engineering, Physics and Maths in Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form.
Luke said: “I’m very happy and especially pleased with my Maths grade because it’s my favourite subject.
“The teachers here are excellent and are always there to help you. They go out of their way to give you extra time and encouragement.
“I know I will do well in the sixth form because it’s a great school and everything has gone well so far.”
Kearney Stephenson, 16, achieved nine GCSEs including grade 8 in Biology, Chemistry and Fine Art, and a Level 2 Distinction in Creative Media.
She is staying at Ron Dearing for her A-levels to study Biology, English Language and Maths and has ambitions to study Biology or Psychology at university.
Kearney said: “I’m so relieved to have got my results – I can relax a bit now!
“Ron Dearing has been brilliant for me and I’ve had so much help and support from teachers to get the best grades possible.
“I’ve loved Biology in particular and my teacher has been great, which makes such a big difference.”
Norbert Wawrzyniak, 16, achieved nine GCSEs including grade 8 in Chemistry and Physics, and a Level 2 Distinction in IT and Systems Control in Engineering.
He has aspirations to work in the aviation industry in the future and will return to Ron Dearing for his A-levels in September to study Maths and Engineering.
Norbert said: “My interest in planes started when I was a kid. I used to look at them and wonder how those massive things could fly.
“It’s gone from there and now I’m relieved to have got my results and am looking forward to coming back for my A-levels.
“Ron Dearing is a really good school and the teachers are so helpful with whatever you need. It’s definitely the best school I’ve been to and I’m glad I chose to come here.”
Madison Mason, 16, achieved seven GCSEs including grade 9 in English Language, grade 8 in Chemistry, English Literature and Maths, and grade 7 in Biology, Computer Science and Physics, as well as a Distinction* in Engineering Design.
She will now go on to study Engineering, Physics, Maths and potentially Computer Science in Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form.
Madison, who hopes to secure an apprenticeship with Ron Dearing UTC Founding Partner Spencer Group, said: “I’m really happy with my results and my Chemistry and English Literature grades are a lot higher than I expected.
“The teachers are so invested in us and really supportive. I’m really looking forward to exploring more subjects in sixth form.”
Kobi Toft, 16, achieved a Distinction in Digital Technology and seven GCSEs, including grade 9 in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, grade 8 in English Language, Physics and Computer Science, and grade 7 in English Literature.
He will now go on to study Maths, Physics, Chemistry and potentially Biology in Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form and is considering becoming a pilot in the future.
Kobi said: “I’m over the moon with my results and they’re better than I expected. I worked really hard and did a lot of revision in preparation for my exams.
“I love being a Ron Dearing student and I’m excited for the sixth form. It’s an amazing school and my grades have gone up since I came here.”
Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the students, parents, carers and teachers on these truly outstanding results.
“Coming one week after the equally brilliant A-level and Level 3 technical results, they are further proof that the school’s unique employer-led approach really delivers, as it continues to go from strength to strength.”
Ron Dearing 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.
STEAM Studios has created slightly more capacity than expected. As a result, there are still a small number of Year 12 places available. Anyone who is interested in applying should email Sarah at principal@rondearingutc.com as soon as possible.