Frequently Asked Questions

A University Technical College (UTC) is a high school delivering employer-guided technical education alongside core academics — preparing students for careers of the future while providing them with vital skills for life.

Read more about the UTC Model here.

The UTC curriculum is structured to blend academic excellence with increasing focus on technical subjects and professionalism.

Each UTC is co-sponsored by employers and a university — creating a talent pipeline that benefits students, business, and higher education:

• Employers and a university hold the majority of seats on the UTC’s governing body — shaping the UTC’s vision and curriculum direction.
• Sponsors contribute to curriculum planning and delivery, integrating real project-based learning alongside academic study.
• Site visits, mentoring programmes and structured work experience connect students with professionals and authentic challenges.
• Sponsor-designed programmes develop critical thinking, independent habits, and ease the transition to further education or work.

Enhanced pathways at UTCs enrich student experiences:

• By spending time in a real workplace and a university, students gain first-hand insight into professional environments, expectations, and career pathways.
• By working on projects set and supported by employer and university partners, students develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and professional behaviours that are directly relevant to their futures.
• A wide range of employer and university activities, such as masterclasses, site visits, and mentoring, strengthen students’ connections with industry and prepare them for the future.
• Success is measured by the quality and relevance of students’ destinations, which encourages a more holistic education, combining academic achievement with various facets of personal development.

The pathways offered by each UTC are determined by local needs and the requirements of local employer sponsors. Significant flexibility exists in making these determinations. UTC pathways include but are not limited to the following:

• Digital, including cyber security, AI, robotics, and networking
• Engineering, including civil engineering, aeronautical engineering, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering
• Health and life sciences, including healthcare science, biomedical science, and related disciplines
• Creative media, including digital media design and production, graphic design, broadcast production, and games / animation

As stated in this independent report by Policy Exchange, the UTC Model has proven to:

• Assist with student enrolment, engagement, attendance and academic achievement.
• Help awareness of, and preparation for, future careers.
• Provide schools with a relevant and distinctive educational offer.

Read the Policy Exchange report.

Baker Dearing International provides critical support, based on more than 10 years of experience with actual development and implementation of the UTC Model across England:

• Curriculum design and implementation
• Staff training and development
• University and employer recruitment and management
• Student recruitment strategies
• Focused data capture and analysis
• Access to the UTC community, bringing unique opportunities for staff and students to collaborate in many ways