Ron Dearing UTC students ring up impressive A-level and Level 3 technical results following school expansion

Sixth form students at Ron Dearing UTC recorded excellent A-level and Level 3 technical results. More than half of the Year 13 cohort of 143 students are moving on to university, including to prestigious Russel Group universities and the UTC’s partner, the University of Hull.  Others are taking up apprenticeship opportunities with many of the region’s leading businesses.

Last year, the former Central Fire Station in Hull city centre was transformed into the UTC’s state-of-the-art STEAM Studios creative hub and two additional science laboratories were created within the existing school building in nearby Kingston Square.

This increased the school’s capacity from 600 to 800 students from the start of the academic year in September 2023, following funding from the Department for Education’s (DfE) Post-16 Capacity Fund.

Following the expansion, highlights of the UTC’s A-level and Level 3 technical results this year include:

• 41% of all grades are A or A*.
• 91% of grades are A* to C. 
• The average grade for A-levels is a B. 
• The average grade for Level 3 technical qualifications, including Engineering, Computing and Creative iMedia, is Distinction +.

Many of the happy students rang a special celebration bell mounted by Ron Dearing UTC to mark their success. The idea was inspired by the bell rung by gold medal winners at the Paris Olympics, which will be hung in the renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re thrilled with these results, which have been achieved despite the challenges of increasing our student numbers by a third and bringing on board new staff.

“They show that the exceptional levels of attainment, and the quality of teaching and learning, has been maintained while the school has grown. 

“Once again, our Year 13 students have achieved fantastic results in their A-levels and technical qualifications and we’re delighted for them.

“They’ve made the most of all the brilliant opportunities available to them at Ron Dearing UTC and done incredibly well in their coursework and exams. It has been a privilege to have them in our school community over the past few years and we’re really proud of their achievements.

“I’d like to pay tribute to our fantastic team for their hard work, high-quality teaching and pastoral support. Also, thanks to our amazing University, Founding and Employer Partners, whose input makes such a huge difference to our curriculum and the knowledge and skills our students gain.

“Our parents and carers have also been crucial partners in our students’ success, working alongside our team to ensure their children receive the best possible support.”

Harvey Blackshaw, 18, rang the celebration bell to celebrate achieving A* grades in Maths and Further Maths, an A in Physics and a Distinction* in Engineering. He will now study Engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Harvey said: “I worked hard and I’m glad it paid off. I’m thrilled and proud of myself.

“It means so much to me to go to Cambridge and it was amazing when I went for my interview. I didn’t think I would get in, so I’m really excited. 

“I’ve loved being a Ron Dearing student and I’ve had so much advice and support from the teachers.”

Oliver Moss, 18, achieved A grades in Maths and Physics, a B in Chemistry and a Distinction* in Engineering, and has secured a three-year degree apprenticeship in Nuclear Engineering at Rolls Royce. 

Oliver said: “I’m really happy. I want to work my way up at Rolls Royce and hopefully work abroad within the industry. 

“Being a Ron Dearing UTC student has given me an advantage because of all the support I’ve received. “

Madison Harraway, also 18, is going to Manchester Metropolitan University to study Fashion Business and Management, having achieved a Double Distinction in her Technical Diploma in Creative iMedia and an A in A-level Photography.

She said: “I’m going to Italy on Sunday, and I wouldn’t have been very happy if I didn’t get the grades I wanted, so now I can relax. I told myself that if I got an A, I’d buy myself a new dress. 

“I’m very excited to be going to Manchester. I need to be somewhere creative, so feel like it will be a great place for me.”

Ron Dearing UTC caters for students aged 14 to 19, offering a unique employer-led model of education with a specialist focus on Engineering, Maths, Sciences, Computing, Art and Design and English.

Several of the students who have secured a university place will move on to one of the Russell Group of elite higher education institutions, while those preparing for apprenticeships will work with various leading businesses including the UTC’s Founding and Employer Partners.

This year has also seen an increase in the number of students progressing on to degree studies in the science and healthcare sectors and creative industries following the expansion of the UTC’s curriculum. This includes the introduction of A-levels in Art and Photography, as well as a BTEC course in Applied Science.

Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, said: “Ron Dearing UTC’s A-level and Level 3 technical results continue to impress me every year.

“The students’ hard work, drive and determination has once again paid off, supported by the outstanding UTC team, University, Founding and Employer Partners, and their parents and carers.

“It has been wonderful to watch the UTC expand and continue to deliver exceptional results. The students are moving on to very exciting destinations and their time at Ron Dearing UTC has undoubtedly set them up for success.”

• Students who would like to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2025 are invited to attend one of three planned open events on October 3, November 7 and January 9. For more information, and to book a place, go to www.rondearingutc.com/openevents