A very warm welcome to University Technical College South Durham, a state-funded, purpose-built Sixth Form and school for 14-19 year olds.
We opened in September 2016 and have become established in the region as the place to be for technical education. Our latest Ofsted inspection was in March 2024, where we again achieved ‘Good’ judgments across all categories, including our Post-16 provision. We are particularly delighted that 94% of parents (and 95% of students) told the inspectors that they’d recommend the UTC to other parents – that’s far higher than in other schools.
Students join UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 and travel from across the North East. We specialise in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), with a focus on engineering and advanced manufacturing. We exist to help our students prepare for the world of work, providing them with an excellent academic and technical education alongside developing their professional skills. We meet with all applicants individually before enrolment to design a programme which meets their needs and career aspirations.
As laid out in the Student Leaver Profile, there are three clear strands to our student experience:
- Academic and technical knowledge and understanding; students study a range of GCSEs or Post-16 qualifications.
- Core Skills; students develop the employability skills and confidence which companies and universities are looking for through a programme of activities and the way they operate as young professionals.
- Professional and career experiences; all students undertake a comprehensive programme of visits, industry-led projects and other career-focused enrichment which mean that they are well placed to make career decisions.
This approach to education is proving successful, with employers recognising that UTC students have strong workplace skills and a confidence that sets them up for future careers. Employers describe students as ‘confident’, ‘capable’ and ‘very employable’. Our culture ensures that all of our students feel supported and can thrive. 97% of parents say that their child is happy and feels safe at the UTC.
We would be delighted to welcome you to the UTC. Please visit us to meet our students and staff, and to see our impressive facilities for yourself.
Tom Dower, Principal
