FAQs
Please see answers to frequently asked questions below. If you have any further queries, please contact us on derbyadmin@utcderby.org.uk or use our contact form to send your question.
What is a University Technical College?
University Technical Colleges are a new concept in education. They offer 13-19 year olds the opportunity to take a highly regarded, technically-oriented course of study alongside academic qualifications. They are equipped to the highest standard, sponsored by a university and offer clear progression routes into higher education or further learning in work.
Find out more at www.utcolleges.org
Are there fees to attend?
No, the UTC is part of government-funded education.
What are the advantages of a student going to a UTC instead of staying on at their previous school?
It allows a student to study a subject they are really enthused by in top quality facilities that reflect the real workplace with teachers who have practical industry experience. Students also benefit from regular input and mentoring from local employers and universities.
What is the reason for starting at 13?
11 is too early to choose a subject path to follow and 16 is too late. Students who know what they want to do can often become bored at school and so underachieve by the time they are 16.
Is 13 too young to specialise?
UTC students receive a broad education including English, Maths and science combined with practical and technical qualifications which are recognised by employers and universities. The skills they learn and the qualifications they receive are transferable to other post-16 provision and are recognised by employers.
What makes the UTC different?
The curriculum is shaped by employers as well as local universities so everything that students learn is connected to the world of work.
Why specialise in Health & Life Sciences and Engineering?
There are lots of employers working in these sectors in our region and they are searching for skilled young people to fill jobs. Many of these employers are world-famous and employ people nationally and internationally so the job opportunities are not just local.
I am really interested in technology – what’s on offer at the UTC?
The UTC is well-equipped with advanced technology in both its specialist areas. It caters for those who have an interest in creative approaches to the use of computers – both software and hardware – as well as those who want to use technology in their projects.
Will students have to wear uniform?
Students must wear UTC business dress. Full details are on the dress code section of our website.
Will there be homework as well as a longer school day?
In general we will not require students to work outside the normal UTC hours of 8:30am to 3:30pm, with enrichment until 4:30pm. There will be time within the day to undertake the personal study required by A levels and other qualifications. Students will be able to access their learning online outside these hours should they want to finish off a piece of work or do more independently, although we think it is important that young people have time to pursue leisure and social interests alongside their studies.
If you already have special support at school would you continue to get this at the UTC?
The UTC has staff who specialise in students with special needs and the building has been designed to provide access for all. Please speak to our Senior Leader for Inclusion about any additional needs your child may have to ensure we can support them. Please note we do not have teaching assistants at UTC Derby Pride Park.
Will the UTC offer Apprenticeships?
No, UTC Derby Pride Park is offering highly-regarded technical qualifications alongside GCSEs and A Levels. Students leaving the UTC at 16 or 18 will be well placed to take up Apprenticeships or Higher Apprenticeships.
What if I want to go to University?
The UTC offers A levels as well as other qualifications which provide sufficient UCAS points for students wishing to move on to University.
Will the UTC lead to a job?
With its specialist learning and the leading involvement of top employers in the UTC at every level, we are confident that students will leave the UTC able to compete with anyone for jobs and for entry to higher education.
Will the UTC select students according to ability?
No, the UTC does not admit students on the basis of selection, although there are minimum requirements for Post 16 entry. In the event that there are more applications than places, there will be an independently verified process of random allocation in order to ensure fairness. The only priority criteria are certain cases of special need.
How can I apply to the UTC?
You can apply online on this website for Year 9 and Year 12.
Paper application forms are available in both cases.
Visit the Applications section of our website for more information.
The Truth About UTC Derby Pride Park – Three Myths Busted!
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are a newcomer to the educational landscape, and we are aware that there are some misconceptions about them.
Here, we take a look at the top three myths. If you have any queries or want to find out more, then please call us to arrange an appointment with our staff.
Myth 1: UTCs are not suitable for high achieving academic students.
Fact: This is not true.
Our students have got into top universities and high quality apprenticeships, such as Machine Engineering with Rolls-Royce, Chemistry at The University of Bath and Space Engineering at the National Space Academy.
All of our students complete GCSEs or A levels as well as a technical qualification in exciting specialisms. They study academic and technical qualifications simultaneously – they do not choose one route or the other.
This dual approach really sets our students’ learning experience apart from traditional schools.
Myth 2: UTC students study vocational qualifications and not academic ones.
Fact: This is not the case.
All of our students complete GCSEs or A levels as well as a technical qualification. Our curriculum is developed with leading universities and employers. Students develop academic, technical, personal and professional skills that equip them for top-flight universities, high quality apprenticeships and employment.
- 100% of our Year 11 leavers have a positive destination in education, employmeny or training. The majority choose to stay on at the UTC.
- 100% of our Year 13 students go on to a positive destination, including university, higher and degree apprenticeships or employment.
Myth 3: UTC students perform poorly compared to those at other schools
Fact: This is not the case.
As with any state secondary school, UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Parks is inspected by Ofsted and is graded ‘good’.
Message from gov.uk website:
Some schools start educating pupils partway through the 5-year period covered by Progress 8, which should be taken into account when comparing their results with schools that start at Key Stage 3. Progress 8 is not the most appropriate performance measure for university technical colleges, studio schools and some further education colleges. These establishments typically start educating pupils at age 13, with a focus on preparing pupils for their future careers by providing an integrated academic and professional education. Other headline measures, particularly pupil destinations, are more important for these establishments.