The law requires the Local Authority to advise parents and carers of other opportunities for education that are available to them outside of normal transition points i.e., Reception, Year 3, and Year 7.
This does not mean that you are required to move your child from their existing school if this remains the best option for them.
There are other opportunities for education starting in Year 9 at University Technical Colleges (UTCs). UTCs are set up by universities, colleges and businesses and specialise in technical subjects linked to regional and national recruitment employment pipelines. At GCSE they offer a similar curriculum to a typical secondary school, including basics of English, Maths and Sciences as well as their specialist subjects.
All schools have a statutory duty to secure impartial careers guidance for all Year 8 to Year 13 students to inspire young people to fulfil their potential and to make them aware of all opportunities open to them. We strongly recommend that your child discuss their options with a Careers Adviser in their current school.
Please find below information about those closest to the Rotherham area. More information is available at www.utcolleges.org
There are two UTCs in Sheffield (Olympic Legacy Park and Sheffield City Centre) as well as Doncaster UTC and the Engineering UTC in North Lincolnshire all of whom accept applications for 13-19 year-old students. Their aim is to ensure young people achieve excellent GCSE or A level results along with high value technical qualifications delivered via employer and university contextualised challenges that support high level technical and employability skills.
Sheffield UTCs
Further details of the two Sheffield UTCs are provided below along with the link to their websites where you will also find information about their admission application process and criteria.
Applications for a place at City Centre UTC or Olympic Legacy Park UTC, for admission in September 2024, should be made to the relevant UTC by 31 October 2023.
For further information or to arrange a visit please contact the relevant UTC or visit their website www.utcsheffield.org.uk where you will also find details of open evenings and showcase events.
City Centre UTC
Specialising in Engineering & Advanced Manufacturing and Creative Digital Media
Options: Geography, Product Design, Engineering Programmable Systems, Art and Design
Email: admin@utcsheffield.org.uk
Tel: 0114 260 3970
Olympic Legacy Park UTC
Specialising in Computer Science, Health Sciences and Social Care and Sport Science.
Options: Psychology, Geography, Sociology, Economics, IT, Sports Studies
Email: adminolp@utcsheffield.org.uk
Tel: 0114 260 3940
Doncaster UTC
Doncaster UTC has a curriculum that seeks to prepare students to maximise their opportunities for future careers in Computing, Digital Media, Engineering and Medical Sciences and welcomes applications for Year 9 and Year 12 in September 2024.
If you require more information about Doncaster UTC and what it can offer your son or daughter, further information can be found on their website: www.doncasterutc.co.uk
Email: DUTCadmin@doncasterutc.co.uk
Tel: 01302 976515
Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire
A specialist STEM school and sixth form based in Scunthorpe Town Centre. Students study a combination of technical and academic subjects which is complemented by a personal development programme. Students can study one of three technical pathways at the ENLUTC:
- Engineering and Manufacturing
- Health Sciences and Social Care
- Engineering Science
Students can apply to join Year 9 and Year 12 in September 2024.
Further details and how to apply can be found on the website: www.enlutc.co.uk
Email: info@enlutc.co.uk
Tel: 01724 878100