Students at Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have spoken of their delight and excitement after achieving outstanding A-level and technical qualification results.
All 80 Year 13 students at the school are now set to secure employment, an apprenticeship or a place at university after an overall pass rate of 100%.
Highlights at the employer-led school, which was rated “Outstanding” across the board by Ofsted in its first inspection earlier this year, included:
- 40% of all grades are A* or A.
- 86% of grades are A*-C.
- Seventeen students have straight A* or A grades.
The results are based on centre assessed grades submitted by the school which have been subjected to a process of moderation by Ofqual, the independent qualifications regulator.
Straight As student Charlotte Cook, 19, achieved A* in Maths, A* in Biology and A in Chemistry.
She is now preparing to study Biomedical Science at either the University of Hull or University of York and is aiming for a career in genetics research.
“I was worried about my results but I’m so relieved and proud,” said Charlotte.
“I came to Ron Dearing after studying at another college and started Year 12 again. I changed some of my subjects and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
“Ron Dearing gives you so many opportunities and the teachers treat you as an adult. They’re all really nice and have been so supportive.”
Shervin Ventura, 18, achieved Distinction* in Creative Digital and double Distinction* in Engineering. He will now go on to study Motorsports Engineering at the University of Derby with hopes of becoming a Mechanical Engineer for a leading Formula 1 team.
Shervin said: “I’m so happy and I can’t wait to tell my family about my results. There’s a smile underneath my mask!
“I’ve felt so supported by the school and they reassured me I didn’t have to worry.
“I’m passionate about engineering and Ron Dearing was definitely the right place for me. I’m so glad I came here.”
William Blake, 18, was delighted to discover he had achieved double Distinction* in Digital Media and Distinction* in Art.
He has now secured an apprenticeship with Hull branding and design firm Sonoco-Trident and said: “I’ve done better than I expected and I’m so pleased.
“Ron Dearing has been great and they’ve given me a lot of support. I’m just so pleased to have got the grades I wanted.”
Sarah Dabare is joining the Merchant Navy on a three-year engineering apprenticeship after achieving C in Biology, D in Chemistry and a Merit in Engineering.
Sarah, 18, said: “It’s been great at Ron Dearing. The staff have been there for me every step of the way.
“They’ve been so supportive, especially with everything that’s been going on around the pandemic. The staff have made sure I was kept up to date all the time.
“I’ve always wanted to join the Merchant Navy and Ron Dearing has helped get me there.”
Jasmine Russell, 18, achieved Distinction* in Engineering and C grades in Chemistry and Maths. She is now preparing to begin a lab technology apprenticeship with BP.
Jasmine said: “I’m so happy with my results. I can’t wait to start my apprenticeship and see where it takes me. I’m looking forward to working my way up and enjoying the job.
“The specific focus on engineering and links with the school’s employer partners was the reason I chose to come to Ron Dearing UTC and it was definitely the right decision for me.
“The teachers have kept us so well informed in recent months and done everything they can to support us.”
Dylan Harrison, 18, has secured an apprenticeship with RB, one of Ron Dearing’s Founding Partners, after achieving A in Maths and double Distinction in Digital Technology.
Dylan, who will study a degree in IT Business Analysis as part of his apprenticeship, said: “I’ve done better than I expected and I’m really pleased.
“It’s been outstanding here at Ron Dearing and I can’t fault them. The support they’ve given me has been brilliant.”
Josh Fry, 18, achieved a Distinction* in Creative Digital, a Distinction* and Distinction in Digital Tech and an A in Maths. He is now preparing to begin a software engineering apprenticeship with KCOM, another of the school’s Founding Partners.
Josh said: “I’m so happy. I love technology and I can’t wait to work for KCOM. It’s going to be an amazing time.
“Applying for my apprenticeship was such a streamlined process and being a Ron Dearing UTC student has enabled this opportunity to happen for me. It’s such a great school.”