Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio in Lancashire has received approval from the Department for Education to become Aldridge UTC Darwen, making it England’s 45th University Technical College (UTC).
Continuing its development within the Aldridge Education family, the school’s new UTC status will strengthen its existing offer while giving students and staff access to the additional expertise, partnerships and opportunities of the national UTC network. The move is an exciting next step for the school, strengthening an approach it already delivers successfully: combining academic learning with specialist technical education, employer engagement and clear routes into further study, apprenticeships and skilled careers.
It also comes at a significant moment for technical education nationally, following the Government’s pledge to put technical and academic routes on a more equal footing. Prime Minister Andy Burnham recently said Britain should “value the hard hat every bit as much as the graduation cap”, as the Government set out plans to expand high-quality technical pathways and strengthen links between education and employers.
Aldridge UTC Darwen will continue to offer its existing Creative, Digital and Care sector pathways, while UTC status will provide a clearer specialist identity and create more opportunities to work with employers, industry and the University of Lancashire.
Jane Fletcher, CEO of Aldridge Education, said: “Becoming Aldridge UTC Darwen is such an exciting next step for our school and our students.
“The school remains an important and vibrant part of our Aldridge Education family, and that will not change. Becoming a UTC is about building on the strengths which the Studio school was known for, and adding the benefits of being part of the national UTC network.
“The Government has set out a clear ambition to give technical education the status it deserves and to make sure young people have strong routes into university, apprenticeships and skilled employment. That is exactly the kind of education we already believe in and deliver here in Darwen.
“UTC status will allow us to strengthen our employer partnerships, create more industry-led opportunities for students and build further on our relationship with the University of Lancashire.
“Importantly, for our current students and families this is about adding opportunities, not taking anything away. Existing courses, qualifications and specialist pathways will continue, alongside the supportive and aspirational culture our families value.”
As part of Aldridge Education, Aldridge UTC Darwen will also become part of the national network of UTCs supported by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which developed and champions the UTC model. Baker Dearing works with UTCs, universities and hundreds of employers across England to support high-quality, employer-led technical education and share expertise and best practice.
Chief Executive of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, Kate Ambrosi, commented: “We are immensely excited to be welcoming Aldridge UTC Darwen to the University Technical College programme.
“This will bring the successful and experienced UTC model of education to Darwen, wherein young people study technical subjects linked to the needs of local business and have regular opportunities to engage with employers and experience the workplace.
“Each year, around a fifth of Year 13 UTC leavers progress to apprenticeships, compared to six per cent nationally. Half of the apprenticeships achieved by UTC leavers are higher or degree apprenticeships. Our young people are also less likely to become NEET straight after leaving than their mainstream school peers.
“A key difference between the UTC programme and other technical schools is the unique, wraparound support of Baker Dearing. We have over 20 years’ experience of delivering high-quality, employer-led technical education in schools.
“We will connect Darwen with other UTCs and national employers, opening up more opportunities for young people to engage with industry and for Darwen to share best practices with other technical teachers and leaders.
“The Prime Minister’s vision of high-quality technical education, delivered in cooperation with local employers, is precisely what Aldridge UTC Darwen will offer.”
Becoming a UTC will give Darwen learners access to:
- Stronger links with employers and industry;
- More employer-led projects, mentoring and careers experiences;
- A stronger relationship with the University of Lancashire;
- Clearer routes into higher education, apprenticeships and skilled employment; and
- The expertise and opportunities of the national UTC network.
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