Nick Crew, Executive Principal of UTC Sheffield, said: “We are delighted to see such a positive start to the new academic year. UTC Sheffield equips young people with the high level technical skills that employers and universities need, and we are pleased to welcome all of our new students.”
 
UTCs are small, specialist technical schools, that provide a well-rounded and high quality education, where every child is known. Employers shape the curriculum. Students complete academic and technical qualifications, and develop the skills that regional employers need.
 
The trailblazing UTC comprises two technical schools and is one of the first nationally to recruit Year 9 students following a successful public consultation process last year.
 
UTC Sheffield City Centre, on Matilda Street, specialises in advanced engineering and manufacturing, and creative and digital media, and is Ofsted graded ‘good’. This year, the school celebrated a double success with an increase in both its academic and technical results. The A Level pass rate climbed to 97% and the technical qualification pass rate was 100%.
 
UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, on Old Hall Road, Attercliffe Common, specialises in computing, health sciences and sport science. This year, the school celebrated its first ever exam results. In their GCSEs, 68% of students achieved a grade 5 (top C grade equivalent) or above in English, 36.5% of students achieved that level in maths and 62% did so in science.  In addition, 79.4% of students achieved a grade 4 (low C grade equivalent) or above in English, 77.7% of students achieved that level in maths and 90% did so in science. 
 
Harry Sykes, aged 13, from Rotherham, has just joined UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park in Year 9 because he wanted to study sport science technical qualifications alongside GCSEs. A keen footballer, Harry plays for the under 14s team at Rotherham United Academy. He said: “At first I felt nervous about leaving my old school and friends, which was a big step, but it’s definitely been worth it.”
 
He explained: “I love the facilities and equipment at the UTC. It just feels more professional. The teachers are really good and helpful, and it’s great to meet other students from a wider area. It’s a friendly school and I’m very happy there.”
 
His mum Marie added: “We heard of UTC Sheffield when our local authority sent us a letter about it and I’m absolutely over the moon about Harry being there. He’s keen and enthusiastic. He made the decision to move and we were happy to support him. He’s settled in really well.”
 
Rosie Roberts, aged 13, also from Rotherham, has just joined UTC Sheffield City Centre in Year 9. She added: “Since joining the UTC, I have made lots of new friends and found more love for art and coding. The UTC has more resources and better technical equipment for both creative and digital media and engineering.”
 
She added: “I have found the teachers to be really friendly and positive towards learning. I think that coming in as a Year 9 has better opportunities because you can then study your choice in more detail and get a great GCSE result at the end of Year 11.”
 
To find out more about places for September 2019, and to sign up to the next showcase events on October 2nd, 3rd and 23rd; November 14th and 20th; and December 4th, visit https://www.utcsheffield.org.uk/events/