Ron Dearing UTC named region’s top state secondary for attendance

TOP OF THE CLASS: Ron Dearing UTC’s employer led curriculum is a key contributor to its high attendance rates

By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor

Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been named as the leading state secondary school in Hull and the East Riding for attendance, as well as being named in the top three schools across the wider Yorkshire region.

New figures published by the Department for Education (DfE) for the academic year 2023-24 have revealed the employer-led school has the highest attendance rate in Hull and the East Riding, with 96.14 per cent, compared to the national average of 91.1 per cent.

The school, in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, is also on track for an even higher attendance rate in the 2024-25 academic year, currently averaging rates above 97 per cent.

The school’s employer-led curriculum is a key contributor to the high attendance rates, blending core GCSE and A-Level studies with a range of technical and professional qualifications.

During their studies, students have the opportunity to take the theory they learn in the classroom and apply it to projects designed and delivered by the school’s employer partners.

Students also enjoy the adult-style education experience, which mirrors workplace practices and prepares them for stepping into employment.

From the time they join the UTC at the start of Year 10, students are treated as young professionals, with the school having exceptionally high standards of behaviour and a longer working week. Students are on first-name terms with staff and are given greater independence and responsibility, allowing them to take ownership of their own learning and develop a greater sense of maturity.

The school’s attendance manager, Natasha Whitehead, said: “Our ethos of positivity and celebrating achievement is a big part of why our students enjoy coming to school and are motivated to have high attendance.

“Our Professional Values and Behaviour Policy places a strong emphasis on positively reinforcing good behaviour and rewarding success, which incentivises students to work hard.

ATTAINMENT: Students benefit from learning in state-of-the-art facilities including the school’s creative centre of excellence, STEAM Studios

“Students feel motivated because teachers provide regular feedback and recognise their achievements. We find that young people are more engaged and eager to come to school when they can see the progress they are making.

“We are also passionate about building strong relationships with our students’ parents and carers. By connecting with parents through real conversations and hosting regular parents’ evenings, rather than relying on impersonal letters or emails, we ensure that parents are actively involved and work with us to support their child’s school attendance."

A recent report published by the DfE showed just how important attendance is for student attainment.

The report revealed that students who attended school daily in Year 11 were almost twice as likely to achieve a Grade 5 in their English and Maths GCSEs, compared to those who only attended 90 to 95 per cent of the time. Just ten days of absence reduced the likelihood of getting a strong pass by around 50 per cent.

Ron Dearing vice principal Mark Ollerenshaw said: “There is a direct correlation between attendance and attainment and students are much more likely to achieve their best results if they regularly attend school.

“There is just no substitute for being in a classroom with an experienced teacher. Being able to ask questions and gain feedback is invaluable for a student’s development.

“Understanding the importance of having a high attendance is also a key employment skill. In the workplace, employers expect their team members to be punctual and reliable, and instilling this into students as early as possible is extremely beneficial when they step into the world of work.

“We’re really proud to have been named the leading local school and among the top three schools in Yorkshire for attendance, but we’re not resting on our laurels and we’re continually striving to do even better!

“Our strong attendance rates are a testament to our students who are motivated to achieve their personal best, as well as our dedicated pastoral team and teaching and support staff, who work closely with our young people to support them and make Ron Dearing a place where everyone can succeed.”