Parent & Student Information

At UTC Leeds, our Key Stage 4 uniform helps create a professional, purposeful and safe learning environment. It also supports students in developing the standards of dress expected in the workplace.

Our uniform is practical and suitable for all seasons, so it remains the same throughout the year.

We expect all students to wear the correct uniform every day, and we appreciate the support of parents and carers in helping students meet these expectations.

Uniform Requirements

Students must wear:

• Formal tailored trousers (not chinos or jeans). Trousers must not have decorative zips, buttons or other accessories.
• A smart leather belt with a plain buckle (if worn).
• A UTC branded navy blue shirt with a stiff collar, available from the approved school supplier.
• A UTC branded blue quarter-zip top.
• Formal black leather shoes with black laces. Trainers and boots are not permitted.
• Plain black or navy socks.

Additional Guidance

• Any T-shirt worn underneath the uniform shirt must be plain black or blue and must not be visible.
• Coats must not be worn inside the college building. They should be stored in lockers during the college day.
• The UTC branded soft shell jacket is optional and may be worn when travelling to and from college.

Footwear

For health and safety reasons, the following are not permitted:

• Trainer-style shoes
• Stiletto heels
• Shoes without backs
• Shoes without covered toes
• Pumps

Engineering Lessons

Students who wish to bring their own safety boots for engineering lessons may do so. Safety boots must be stored in lockers and worn only during engineering lessons.

Incorrect Uniform

Students who arrive at college in incorrect uniform will be given the opportunity to borrow the correct uniform where available. If suitable uniform cannot be provided, students will be placed in isolation until they are wearing the correct uniform.

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Uniform is available from our school supplier, which is Whittakers www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk

Whittakers 3/5 Town Street Leeds LS28 5EN

Tel 0113 2566020

PE Kit

PE kit is required for all KS4 students:

• Trainers
• Navy/black shorts/joggers (no large sports branding)
• UTC Leeds Unisex branded long or short-sleeved PE top
• UTC Leeds branded quarter zip jumper can be worn, but this is optional

Uniform Suppliers

Uniform is available from our school supplier, which is Whittakers www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk

Whittakers 3/5 Town Street Leeds LS28 5EN

Tel 0113 2566020

Make Up & Jewellery

• Any make-up should be subtle.
• Jewellery should be limited to one set of simple ear-studs per ear.
• No necklaces, bracelets, chains or facial piercings e.g. nose studs/rings are allowed for safety reasons.

School Bags

Bags should be a rucksack or messenger style bag, which is able to hold A4 size file items/stationery and can be fastened securely. Y10 and Y11 students must store their bag and outdoor clothing in their locker during the school day. Y12 and Y13 students must store their outdoor clothing in their locker during the school day.

Outdoor Clothing

Outdoor clothing, including coats, hoodies and jumpers (except the UTC branded half-zip for Y10/Y11) must not be worn in the school building.

Equipment

All students:

All students must bring the required equipment to college every day so they are fully prepared for learning and can take part in all lessons. The equipment list is divided into essential and recommended items.

Locker Padlock

All students must have a combination padlock for their locker. This should be brought on the first day to ensure belongings including mobile phones are stored there during the day. 

ESSENTIAL	RECOMMENDED
Padlock for locker	Glue Stick
Pencil case	Coloured Pencils
Pens (black/ blue)	Highlighters
Rubber	Purple Pen
Pencil Sharpener
Pencil
Scientific Calculator (preferably Casio fx-83GTCW)
Ruler
Protractor
Pair of compasses

Second-hand uniform 

At UTC Leeds, we welcome and encourage donations of second-hand uniform. All donated items are laundered and stored at the college, ready to support students who may need assistance.

If you require help sourcing UTC Leeds uniform, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are committed to supporting our students and will work with you to provide the necessary items.

For more information or to make a donation, please get in touch via [email protected]

Thank you for your support with the KS4 uniform policy for your son/daughter. Please contact Mr. Smeaton (Director of Key Stage 4) at [email protected] if you require any further information.

All KS4 independent learning will be set on Microsoft Teams. 

All independent learning tasks have been designed to support your child in retention & of key facts and practising key skills. 

Each subject will set assignments on a set day to support students with their organisation skills in order to meet deadlines. 

Once submitted students will receive whole class feedback in class and the opportunity to reflect on their work to improve it using the feedback their teacher has given them. 

Examples of independent learning tasks can be found below

English Mini Task – this would consist of students doing small tasks revising the content of the English Literature texts we study.

English Short exam writing - this would consist of shorter reading questions or just one paragraph from a literature essay.

English Extensive exam writing - this could consist of a piece of creative writing, persuasive writing, a literature essay or one of the longer reading questions.

Maths Dr Frost – Questions completed online on Dr Frost, workings should be done in homework books and brought to lessons to ensure red pen and feedback can be done.

Maths exam questions – Past exam questions to get students used to the way questions are asked in the examinations.

Science Tassomai – Online questions completed on Tassomai.

Science exam questions - Past exam questions to get students used to the way questions are asked in the examinations.

Here to support you:

At UTC Leeds, we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students can thrive. We recognise the importance of mental health and wellbeing and have dedicated staff and partner organisations in place to provide support when needed.

We take a proactive approach through lessons, assemblies and pastoral support, helping students develop strategies to manage stress, anxiety and other challenges. Students can access support from our pastoral team at any time.

For students with diagnosed mental health needs, we work closely with external services, including CAMHS and other outreach organisations, to ensure consistent and effective support both in and out of college.

External Services:

Mental Health: Introduction to Mental Health - Mind  Self-care - What we can do to look after ourselves

Mental Health support for parents: Young Minds

Anxiety:  Understanding Anxiety & Panic Attacks

Managing Stress: Understanding & Managing Stress

Bereavement:  Hope Again - Young People Living After Loss

Building Well-Being Together: Think Avellana - Tools to support improving mental health

Drugs: Talk to Frank - Friendly, Confidential Drugs Advice

Feeling Frustrated – How to cope with anger: Information & Support - Coping with feelings of anger

Self-Care for Parents: Self-Care for Parents & Carers

Confidence and self-esteem:  Tips to Boost Confidence & Self-esteem

Coping with eating disorders: Information & Support - Eating Disorders

Catch 22 – Family support and intervention: Support Services - Building Resilience & Aspiration

Here is an example of a weekly schedule at UTC Leeds. 

Understanding Your UTC Report

• Your report helps you see how engaged you are with your learning and what you can do next. Use the guide below to understand your results and plan your progress.
• Each section shows how consistently you demonstrate positive learning habits—such as participation, effort, and behaviour.
• Check which areas you are meeting expectations in and which need more focus. This gives you a clear picture of your current engagement.
• Use your report to set goals. Think about small, practical changes—like improving organisation or taking part more in class—to help you move forward.

Free School Meals (FSM)

Your child may be entitled to Free School Meals if your household receives certain benefits, including Universal Credit below the current income threshold.

From September 2026, all households on Universal Credit will qualify for FSM.

Why this matters

• It ensures your child continues receiving their free meal entitlement.

• It unlocks important school funding to support their education.

IMPORTANT: If your child was receiving Free School Meals at their last school, they should continue to be eligible. 

However, if FSM does not automatically transfer we may not have them recorded as FSM at UTC Leeds, parents/carers should:

1. Re‑apply for FSM through your home local authority

2. If your child is eligible, the local authority will send you an official confirmation letter. 

3. Please send us a clear photo, scan, or copy of this letter as soon as you receive it.

4. Once we have this evidence, we will update your child’s record in Arbor and ensure they receive their Free School Meals entitlement.

PLEASE NOTE : If your child lives outside of the Leeds Local Authority the local authority does not notify UTC Leeds automatically. Please follow the steps above. 

If you’re unsure how to apply, contact us—we’re happy to help.

The Pupil Premium is a government-funded initiative aimed at closing the attainment gap between students from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. The funding is provided directly to schools and is used to support eligible students through tailored interventions, resources, and educational programmes.

Who is Eligible for Pupil Premium?

Your child may be eligible for Pupil Premium funding if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years
• Looked after children (those in local authority care)
• Children who have left local authority care due to adoption, a special guardianship order, or child arrangements order
• Children whose parent(s) are currently serving in the armed forces

Benefits of Pupil Premium

The funding from Pupil Premium can be used to provide additional support for your child in areas such as:

• Tutoring and academic intervention programs
• Mentoring and pastoral care
• Learning resources, including technology or textbooks
• Extracurricular activities that support social development and skills

At UTC Leeds, we ensure that Pupil Premium funding is used effectively to support the individual needs of eligible students, helping them reach their full potential.

Click here to learn more about our Pupil Premium strategy.

How to Apply for Pupil Premium

1. Ensure you have applied for FSM through your home local authority

2. If your child is eligible, the local authority will send you an official confirmation letter. 

3. Please send us a clear photo, scan, or copy of this letter as soon as you receive it.

4. Once we have this evidence, we will update your child’s record in Arbor. 

We encourage all parents who believe they may qualify to get in touch, as the funding provides essential support for both your child and our college community.

If you need further assistance or have any questions about the Pupil Premium  process, please contact our admissions team at [email protected] or call 0113 123 4567.

Post 16-19 Bursary 

For students in Sixth Form, the Government offers financial help with essential education costs such as travel, meals, equipment, books and specialist clothing.

There are two types of bursary:

• Vulnerable Bursary: for students in care, care leavers, or those receiving certain benefits in their own right. 
• Discretionary Bursary: based on household income and individual financial need.

How to apply:
All eligible students will be invited to apply via Applicaa during UTC Leeds enrolment.

The RMAT (Rodillian Multi Academy Trust) Access Fund is a financial support initiative aimed at helping students from lower-income families access educational resources, school trips, and other essential learning tools. This fund is intended to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate fully in school life, regardless of financial circumstances.

What Can the RMAT Access Fund Be Used For?

The RMAT Access Fund can help with costs associated with:

• School trips and educational visits
• Uniforms and essential school supplies
• Specialist equipment for courses (e.g., engineering or digital technology tools)
• Travel costs related to school attendance

If your child is eligible for financial support, the RMAT Access Fund can help ensure that they are fully equipped for academic success.

How to Apply for the RMAT Access Fund

To apply for the RMAT Access Fund, please fill out the

RMAT Access Fund Application Form 

Once submitted, our finance team will review your application, and you will be contacted with further information regarding your child’s eligibility and the support available.

For more guidance or if you need assistance completing the form, please contact our support team at [email protected] or call 0113 123 4567.

At UTC Leeds, we understand that travel costs can be a challenge for some families. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide financial support for transport throughout the year. However, you may be able to receive help with travel expenses by applying directly through your local authority, who manage transport assistance schemes for eligible students. If you need guidance on how to apply, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.

Statutory free school travel | Metro

School transport | Leeds.gov.uk

School and college transport | North Yorkshire Council

Assistance with travel to home, school and college | Bradford Council

Home to school transport | Calderdale Council