UTCs are academies for 14-19-year-olds. They focus on providing technical education that meets the needs of modern employers. They offer technical courses and work-related learning, combined with academic studies.  All UTCs:

  • are sponsored by a local university and employers. It is also usual for FE colleges and other educational institutions – like established academy trusts - to work in partnership with them;
  • specialise in two curriculum areas (e.g. engineering and science);
  • teach core GCSEs alongside technical qualifications, and we expect them to offer young people the opportunity to achieve the English Baccalaureate;
  • focus on disciplines that require highly specialised equipment, for example, engineering, manufacturing and construction;
  • teach these disciplines alongside developing young people’s business, ICT and design skills to prepare students for a range of careers and continuing education at 19; and
  • have 500 to 800 students.

The Baker Dearing Educational Trust plays a key role in developing partnerships and advising on applications for UTCs.

Two UTCs are already open – the JCB Academy in Staffordshire, and the Black Country UTC in Walsall.