UTC Leeds has been graded ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted following its first inspection.
The report highlights some key strengths, as well as areas for improvement.
Our school has been praised by the education watchdog for a curriculum that is inspiring the next generation of leading engineers, scientists and innovators, its excellent links with industry and strong careers education enabling students to develop a wide range of employment skills.
Nearly all our students have progressed to their preferred destination, with a large proportion securing sought after higher level apprenticeships, and there is highly effective teaching in English and engineering, the report states.
Leadership and management are good, with our new Principal appointed in September 2018, safeguarding is effective and the behaviour and welfare of students are also good. To read the report, published on May 9th, visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/142604
Alex Burnham, Principal of UTC Leeds, said: “We are pleased Ofsted has recognised that our students develop the technical skills that make them highly employable and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is improving across the school. Action is underway to address areas that require improvement.”
Mark Goldstone, Chair of Governors at UTC Leeds and Head of Business Representation and Policy at West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “We are pleased that Ofsted has acknowledged in their report that staff morale is high, the quality of teaching is improving across the school and leaders’ capacity to further improve the school is clear for all to see. We are committed to swiftly addressing the areas highlighted so that we continue to support employers and improve the life chances of our students.”
Overall, the inspectors examined five key areas at the UTC:
• Effectiveness of leadership and management – good
• Quality of teaching, learning and assessment – requires improvement
• Personal development, behaviour and welfare – good
• Outcomes for students – requires improvement
• 16 to 19 study programmes – requires improvement
Areas highlighted for improvement include ensuring that the quality of teaching, learning and assessment is consistent across key stages 4 and 5 and supporting more effectively students with special educational needs and/or disabilities as well as disadvantaged students and those with lower levels of literacy.
UTC Leeds opened in September 2016 to create a talent pipeline for employers to address regional skills shortages in the high priority growth sectors of engineering and advanced manufacturing. We are sponsored by the University of Leeds and Leeds Chamber of Commerce, and backed by leading employers.
Chris Black, Managing Director, Sound Leisure in Leeds, said: “Like many manufacturers, we have concerns regarding the lack of skilled engineers and technicians within the Yorkshire region and beyond. We fully support the work of UTC Leeds and are proud to be associated with the school, the team that is running it and the students who attend. It is crucial for UK PLC to develop new young talent and to introduce them to the exciting and rewarding world of innovation, design and manufacturing.”
Last year 39% of our Year 13 students progressed to apprenticeships, compared to 7% nationally, and 37% went onto higher education including top universities such as the University of Leeds. For more information, visit https://www.utcleeds.co.uk/about/student-destinations/
