Ron Dearing UTC students record impressive A-level and Level 3 technical results after expansion
EXCELLENCE: Students at Ron Dearing UTC in Hull have recorded excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results, following the expansion of the employer-led school
By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor
Students at Hull’s university technical college (UTC) have once again achieved impressive results following the expansion of the employer-led school.
Sixth-form students at Ron Dearing UTC recorded excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results, with more than half of the Year 13 cohort of 143 students moving on to university, and others taking up apprenticeship opportunities with many of the region’s leading businesses.
Last year, the former Central Fire Station in Hull city centre was transformed into the UTC’s state-of-the-art STEAM Studios creative hub and two additional science laboratories were created within the existing school building in nearby Kingston Square.
This increased the school’s capacity from 600 to 800 students from the start of the academic year in September 2023, following funding from the Department for Education’s (DfE) Post-16 Capacity Fund.
ACHIEVERS: A classroom within Ron Dearing UTC’s STEAM Studios, part of a significant expansion of the school, which has again recorded impressive A-level and Level 3 technical results
Following the expansion, highlights of the UTC’s A-level and Level 3 technical results this year include:
41 per cent of all grades are A or A*.
91 per cent of grades are A* to C.
The average grade for A-levels is B.
The average grade for Level 3 technical qualifications, including engineering, computing and creative iMedia, is Distinction +.
Ron Dearing UTC principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re thrilled with these results, which have been achieved despite the challenges of increasing our student numbers by a third and bringing on board new staff.
“They show that the exceptional levels of attainment, and the quality of teaching and learning, has been maintained while the school has grown.
“Once again, our Year 13 students have achieved fantastic results in their A-levels and technical qualifications and we’re delighted for them.
“They’ve made the most of all the brilliant opportunities available to them at Ron Dearing UTC and done incredibly well in their coursework and exams. It has been a privilege to have them in our school community over the past few years and we’re really proud of their achievements.
“I’d like to pay tribute to our fantastic team for their hard work, high-quality teaching and pastoral support. Also thanks to our amazing university, founding and employer partners, whose input makes such a huge difference to our curriculum and the knowledge and skills our students gain.
“Our parents and carers have also been crucial partners in our students’ success, working alongside our team to ensure their children receive the best possible support.”
Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged 14 to 19, offering a unique employer-led model of education with a specialist focus on engineering, maths, sciences, computing, art and design and English.
Several of the students who have secured a university place will move on to one of the Russell Group of elite higher education institutions, while those preparing for apprenticeships will work with various leading businesses including the UTC’s founding and employer partners.
EXPANSION: The former Central Fire Station in Hull is now Ron Dearing UTC’s STEAM Studios creative hub, part of an expansion that increased the employer-led school’s capacity to 800 students
This year has also seen an increase in the number of students progressing on to degree studies in the science and healthcare sectors and creative industries following the expansion of the UTC’s curriculum. This includes the introduction of A-levels in art and photography, as well as a BTEC course in applied science.
Richard Martin, chair of the governing board at Ron Dearing UTC and non-executive director at major partner Arco, said: “Ron Dearing UTC’s A-level and Level 3 technical results continue to impress me every year.
“The students’ hard work, drive and determination has once again paid off, supported by the outstanding UTC team, university, founding and employer partners, and their parents and carers.
“It has been wonderful to watch the UTC expand and continue to deliver exceptional results. The students are moving on to very exciting destinations and their time at Ron Dearing UTC has undoubtedly set them up for success.”
Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council alongside many other major partners and partners.
Students who would like to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2025 are invited to attend one of three planned open events on October 3, November 7 and January 9. For more information, and to book a place, go to www.rondearingutc.com/openevents