A university technical college (UTC) is a type of secondary school in England that is sponsored by a university and has close ties to local business and industry.
University technical colleges specialise in subjects like engineering and construction, taught alongside business skills and the use of IT. Pupils study academic subjects as well as practical subjects leading to technical qualifications. The curriculum is designed by the university and employers, who also provide work experience for students.
The university and industry partners support the curriculum development of the UTC, can provide professional development opportunities for teachers, and guide suitably qualified students on to industrial apprenticeships or tertiary education. The UTC's governors include representatives from the sponsor university and partner employers. Pupils traditionally transfer to a UTC at the age of 14, part-way through their secondary education, though many UTCs now accept pupils at a younger age. The first UTCs were established in 2010, and there are 44 of them in 2023.
It was announced in August 2023 that two more UTCs would be established in Doncaster and Southampton.[1]
- ^ "Pupils in disadvantaged areas to benefit from new free schools". GOV.UK. Retrieved 15 September 2023.