Students at Hull’s innovative Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) have once again secured an impressive set of GCSE and Level 2 technical results, with grades significantly out-performing national averages.
The outstanding performance reinforces the winning formula of the Ofsted “Outstanding”-rated school, which combines a business-focused curriculum, innovative teaching, dedicated students and supportive families.
The employer-led school achieved a 100% pass rate across all qualifications, with highlights including:
- 71% of students achieved a grade 5 or above in both English and Maths, vastly exceeding last year’s national average of 45%.
- 83% of students secured a grade 4 or above in English and Maths, compared to last year’s national average of 65%.
- 78% of students earned grades 5 to 9 across triple science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics).
- 36% of all grades in technical specialisms – Creative iMedia, Digital Technology and Engineering – were awarded Distinction or Distinction*.
The school also achieved remarkable results in closing the disadvantage gap, with students receiving free school meals defying national under-performance trends. At Ron Dearing UTC, 58% of these students achieved a grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared to last year’s national average of just 18.6%.
Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We couldn’t be prouder of our Year 11 students who have put in months of hard work and commitment to achieve a fantastic set of results.
“With the cohort’s attendance holding firm at an incredible 97%, the dedication of our students speaks for itself.
“Their success wouldn’t be possible though without the added commitment of their parents and carers, our university and employer partners, and our dedicated teachers and support staff, who turn up day in, day out with support and encouragement to help our young people reach their full potential.”
Charlie Beach is this year’s highest achieving student at Ron Dearing UTC, having gained 8 grade 9s in her GCSEs as well as a Distinction* in her technical Engineering qualification.
Charlie is now progressing on to Ron Dearing’s Sixth Form to study A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Physics.
She said: “I’m so happy with my results – I wasn’t expecting to do so well. I’m most proud of my 9s in Further Maths and English Literature.
“The teachers at Ron Dearing are all really helpful and give you lots of extra worksheets and example exam questions to help you prepare. My parents have helped me so much too, they have had lots of late nights staying up to quiz me and help me revise so I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Basi Dinu also credited his teachers for helping him achieving a brilliant set of results, including grade 9s in Computer Science, English Language, Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and a Distinction* in Engineering Design.
Basi, who hopes to progress towards a degree apprenticeship in the field of aerospace engineering, said: “It’s the attention teachers give to every detail – everything that can help you add a few extra marks, that can make the difference to a grade.”
Over 80 per cent of the cohort are staying on to study for A-level and technical qualifications in the Sixth Form, where they will be joined by a substantial number of external students moving to Ron Dearing UTC in September from other schools.
Alongside those going on to Ron Dearing UTC’s Sixth Form, or to college, a number of students have also secured apprenticeship opportunities after achieving strong grades.
Will Sutton has secured a mechanical maintenance apprenticeship with East Yorkshire-based food producer Cranswick, which will see him learn how to survey machinery and ensure smooth operations, while Evie Clark has secured a healthcare support apprenticeship with the NHS, and hopes of progress on to a nursing qualification in future.
The success of the Year 11 students comes after last week’s exceptional A-level and Level 3 technical outcomes, making it a double celebration for the school.
Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, added: “Congratulations to every student, teacher, parent, staff member, employer partner and governor who made these exceptional results possible.
“This is a really exciting time for the education sector, with our new Prime Minister recognising the need to raise the status of technical education.
“Ron Dearing UTC’s employer-led model combines technical and academic qualifications and empowers every student to succeed, no matter their background.
“The school’s achievements show what can be achieved when education and industry come together to deliver a successful educational formula, developing young people with the skills, qualifications and aptitude to thrive in their chosen careers.
“Not only does this approach to education deliver impressive exam results, it also creates fantastic life opportunities and lasting impact. Yet again 100% of our Year 11 students will progress onto positive destinations and none will be not in employment, education or training (NEETs).”
Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged 14 to 19, offering a unique employer-led educational model. The UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group.
- Students who would like to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2027 are invited to attend one of three planned Open Events on October 1, November 12, and January 7. For more information, and to book a place, click here.