Hull’s Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has retained its “Outstanding” status following an Ofsted inspection carried out in May.
Named after the late Lord Ron Dearing of Kingston upon Hull, the UTC has a unique employer-led curriculum with a specialist focus on engineering, digital and computing, art and design, maths, English and science and healthcare.
Since being formed in 2017, Ron Dearing UTC has supplied outstanding young talent for leading businesses in the region, including its founding partners KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group. Students have also gone on to work for the likes of Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and BAE Systems.
Following the in-depth inspection carried out in May, the UTC, which is located on Kingston Square in Hull city centre, has retained its “Outstanding” status which it received in its first inspection in 2020.
This time round, inspectors described the school as having “a relaxed, friendly and industrious feel” and praised the staff’s effective support which leads pupils to “achieve very highly and feel successful.”
The Ofsted report praised a plethora of elements of the UTC including its “highly ambitious” curriculum and “consistently superb” student behaviour.
Staff at the school are also recognised in the report, with inspectors saying “relationships between pupils and staff are warm and professional”, adding that “pupils respond extremely well to the trust placed in them and to the school’s aspirational culture.” The inspectors also found the school’s arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Inspectors described the school’s careers education, advice and guidance as “extremely high quality” adding that “the school personalises support for pupils ensuring that they have the best possible chance of achieving their aspirations”.
In addition to the high standard of education and careers development, the inspection also praised the college’s happy school community with the inspectors finding that students felt “confident to express their individuality.”
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said the Ofsted report was a tremendous achievement for everyone connected to the school.
She said: “We’re delighted to have retained our Outstanding rating from Ofsted. It’s fantastic to hear that parents, carers, staff and pupils feel privileged to be part of the school and we’re proud of the tight-knit community we have built over the past eight years.
“This outcome is a testament to the talent and commitment of our incredible team of teachers and support staff. Our teachers are experts in their subjects and are knowledgeable in adapting their teaching to meet the needs of all our students, while our support staff are dedicated to helping pupils achieve their full potential.
“I’m delighted that the proactive partnership between the school and our university and employer partners has been recognised by Ofsted for providing the highest quality education. The unique learning opportunities that this partnership approach creates for our students helps them develop into well-rounded young people, equipped with everything they need to achieve their full potential.”
A number of students from Ron Dearing UTC have expressed their delight with the college having retained its ‘Outstanding’ rating. Among these are Year 12 student Lucie Metcalf, 17, who said: “I’m really proud to know Ron Dearing has maintained its Outstanding rating. It’s a really good school and sixth form which is so different to many others.
Similarly, Year 10 student, Emily Jimmeson, 15, said: “I feel really proud of the staff and all the students for this achievement, well done to the whole school community, it’s amazing!
“Ron Dearing is making my career prospects ten times better by giving me more ideas of what career options are available to me.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
