UTC Leeds students have shown great resilience and celebrated their significant achievements at the end of a challenging academic year.
Principal Hannah Wilson has praised her Year 11 graduates who have received their GCSE and technical results this week, marking the end of an unprecedented year for the students.
UTC Leeds is leading STEM academy and sixth form college where students in Year 10 and Year 11 complete technical qualifications in engineering alongside core GCSEs including English and Maths.
This week, the exam and qualifications regulator Ofqual confirmed that GCSE results for pupils in England would be awarded on the basis of teachers’ recommended grades and not use an algorithm.
The majority of students are staying on at the UTC to complete Post 16 studies including A Levels and technical qualifications.
Hannah Wilson, Principal of UTC Leeds, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students who have shown great maturity and character at a difficult and worrying time. I would also like to honour the efforts of our staff and parents who have ensured that our students continued to learn over these past months. I would like to congratulate our students on their hard work and wish them well for their next steps.”
Alex McCarron is thrilled with his results, “I did really well, I got one 7, three 8s and four 9s – including a 9 in further Maths which I’m particularly proud of!” Alex is now looking forward to studying Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths for A Level at the UTC Leeds sixth form with ambitions to go to Oxford University.
Formula 1 enthusiast, Finn Burnard-Smith has secured a place at Askham Bryan college to study motorsport following his GCSE results. He said, “Passing Design & Technology was crucial for me to get my place at college so I’m really happy. After I’ve finished my course, I’d like to do an apprenticeship or get a job with Ginetta – from there I’d love to make my way into a career with Formula 1, ideally the McLaren team, that would be my ultimate dream.”
At the UTC, on Sayner Road in Leeds South Bank, students work on employer-led projects, developing their professional and personal skills as well as their technical and scientific understanding.
The UTC is equipped with cutting edge, industry standard facilities. Organisations supporting the UTC include the RAF, Siemens, Unilever and Sound Leisure as well as University of Leeds.
UTCs are government-funded science and technology academies developed with employers and universities to focus on the skills that the UK needs for the future. UTC students graduate onto high quality apprenticeships – including prestigious Degree Apprenticeships – as well as competitive college and university places.
Young people can join the UTC in Year 10 at the age of 14 or in Year 12 at the age of 16. Some places are still available for this September. Apply now at www.utcleeds.co.uk
