Frequently asked questions about the application process for University Technical Colleges.

 
 When can I submit my application to the Department for consideration?

The deadline to submit an application is 5pm on 16 November 2012. Between now and 16 November you will need to prepare your application.

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 Should I contact the Department to find out how my proposal is progressing?

No. Applicants will be contacted if there is any news about their application. You should only contact the Department if you submit a proposal by 16 November 2012 and do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt. We will let all applicants know whether they have been called for interview as soon as possible.

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 Can I submit additional information once my application has been submitted?

No, although you should continue to develop your plans. Applicants that are called for an interview will be given the opportunity to provide additional information, but you should not submit it unless specifically requested by the Department.

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 When will I hear if my application is successful?

We will let applicants know the outcome of their application in spring 2013.

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 How will my application be assessed?

Each application will be considered both on its individual merits and in comparison to other applications that have been submitted. They will be assessed against the criteria in the application guidance and a range of contextual factors as outlined in the guidance.

Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview to explain aspects of their proposal, where Government officials, education advisers, and finance experts will ask questions of further clarification. Being invited to interview does not guarantee that an application will ultimately be successful.

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 When will we know whether we are being called to an interview? When will they take place?

We will confirm the likely timetable for interviews when we acknowledge applications after the 16 November deadline.

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 Will my application be published?

It is not the Department's intention to publish applications; we will publish the funding agreement which the Secretary of State enters into with successful applicants.

We may, however, publish some information contained within the applications under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) if requested. Personal information would be redacted.

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 Who can apply to open a UTC?

We welcome proposals from universities and employers working in partnerships. Strong sponsorship is a key criterion in the assessment of applications.

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 Can schools convert to UTCs?

No. UTCs are academies, but schools or colleges cannot become a UTC by simply converting to academy status.

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 The Government committed to opening 24 UTCs during this Parliament and you have already announced more than that. Does that mean there is little money left?

The 2011 Budget provided additional capital funding for UTCs as part of the Growth Review. While we are investing in growth we also need to address the budget deficit, and that has meant some tough decisions across the Government and within the overall education budget.

We will, however, look to approve applications which outline plans for high quality technical education, and funding is available for the forthcoming applications round on this basis.

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 How much capital funding will be available for UTC projects?

Section H of the UTC 'How to apply' guidance provides information about the capital funding for UTCs.

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 Do I need to secure premises before I apply?

No, but it would strengthen your application if you have identified at least one potentially feasible site for your UTC, for us to consider by the time of the interviews.

If you have identified a site, it would be helpful if you included details of ownership of the site, its availability, its size and any work that may be required to make the site fit for purpose as a school in your application.

You are not required to enter into any negotiations for sites and should not do so if you expect the Government to fund the acquisition of your site.

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 What support is available to help my group find a site for our school?

The Education Funding Agency may be able to help you look for sites. You can contact them by email on the address below.

When looking for potential sites we would encourage you to consider surplus or under-utilised government and other public buildings. A wide range of public buildings could provide suitable accommodation for a UTC, and we have carried out detailed assessments of several of these sites. Information on these sites is available on the Free Schools section of this website.

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 What will you do if you receive a UTC application for the same area/building that you already have a Free School proposal for?

We will identify where there are potential overlaps between applications. Each application will be assessed on its merits, with the final decision taking into account all contextual information, including other proposals for the same area.

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 Can I get support to develop an application?

Yes. The Baker Dearing Educational Trust (BDT) established the UTC model. Further information can be obtained on the BDT website.

BDT is now the promoter of UTCs and is working with the Department through the application process. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their application with BDT, who will be able to offer advice and support.

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 The process requires us to set up a company limited by guarantee before submitting an application. Must we do this?

Yes. In order to judge the capacity and capability of the applicants as part of the assessment process we need to be clear that applicants have duly considered who should be involved in the establishment and running of the school.

Applicants should set up a company limited by guarantee, using the model UTC memorandum and articles of association, which can be found on this website.

The company limited by guarantee – sometimes commonly known as the Academy Trust – is the legal entity that will be responsible for running a UTC.

Guidance on registration can be found on the Companies House website.

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 How do I set up a company limited by guarantee?

Model UTC memorandum and articles of association are available on this website. Whilst these are legal documents, and you should take care to ensure that you understand your obligations under them, they are relatively straightforward to complete.

Once you have done this, you can register your company limited by guarantee online on the Companies House website.

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 Will the Department provide financial support or advice to help us set up the company?

No. Any group that is able to successfully establish and manage a school will not find it difficult to set up a company limited by guarantee.

The Department will not be offering support to groups to do this.

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 Does my local authority need to approve my application?

No. However, you may find it helpful to discuss your application with your local authority. They can provide an important resource of skill and experience to help facilitate groups wanting to set up a UTC.

The Secretary of State will also consider the local context and other local information when taking a final decision on whether to enter into a funding agreement with the group setting up the UTC.

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 Do I need to show there is a shortage of school places in my area in order to submit an application?

No. What you do need to show is demand from employers, parents and young people for a school offering a curriculum which includes the two technical specialisms that your UTC would focus on – not just a new school.

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Contact details

Free Schools: EFA capital queries
Email: FreeSchools.EFAcapital@education.gsi.gov.uk