• UTC South Durham opens in September 2016 and will be the first University Technical College in the North-East.
• UTCs are state-funded technical schools that give students the skills they need to innovate and invent.
• Studying at a UTC provides young people with the opportunity to gain both an academic and technical education in an exciting and inspiring learning environment.
• UTC students work closely with employers to enable them to be qualified to work in sectors that are growing and looking for skilled staff.
• UTCs are smaller than traditional secondary schools, charge no fees and are not academically selective.
• UTC South Durham will specialise in advanced manufacturing and engineering, sectors that are vital to the future of the region, offering opportunities for highly skilled young people.
• UTC South Durham will offer a education for 14-19-year-olds and provide a preparation for entry into employment in these sectors, either directly or via higher education.
• Years 10 and 11
Students will follow a core curriculum of English, Maths, Science, Engineering and Physical Education and choose from a range of options for other GCSEs including Geography/History, Modern Foreign Language, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Business, Electronics and Graphics. Students who wish to gain the English Baccalaureate (five good GCSE passes in core subjects) are able to do so, although this is not compulsory.
Students will also have time dedicated to personal, social, health and economic education, Religious Studies, fundamental British values, study support, special educational needs support, careers guidance and interview and application support.
• Years 12 and 13
Post-16 students will follow one of three pathways, all involving a strong core of academic and technical subjects, project work and placements with businesses. These can lead to university, apprenticeships, further study and direct employment.
Students will develop employability skills and confidence in real-world work situations through our project and placements, and will develop independent study skills and teamwork through flexible study time and challenge projects.
• For students who join at Year 10, there are no academic entry requirements.
• For joining in Year 12, there are academic entry requirements for each pathway selected.
• Application for entry in September 2016 for both Year groups is now open, with two closing dates. The main closing date, for applicants who wish to apply early to secure a place, is 1 December 2015. There will be a follow-up closing date of 1 March 2016 for parents and students who prefer to take longer to consider their application. There is no difference in the selection criteria between the deadlines.
• To find out more, download a prospectus and apply, click here.