About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a UTC?

    A UTC is a school for students aged 14 to 19 which specialises in professional and technical studies. The Hackney UTC will specialise in Digital and Health technologies. The UTC will be an exciting alternative study environment for 14-19 year-olds. Students will follow a curriculum of professional and technical study in a specialist area, alongside GCSE-level qualifications in core subjects. The detail of the curriculum will be influenced strongly by partner employers and the university to make sure that students have the best possible chance of a successful future in higher education and/or work.

  • Who is the Sponsor of the Hackney UTC?

    The lead Sponsor of the UTC is Hackney Community College. The UTC will also benefit from its partners’ expertise and facilities: BT Group, the University of East London, the Homerton University Hospital NHS Trust, The Learning Trust and the London Borough of Hackney.

  • What involvement do BT and Homerton Hospital have?

    BT and Homerton University Hospital have been involved in developing the curriculum. Students will take part in a range of employer led projects. With the support of BT and Homerton Hospital, students will gain the skills they need to access further and higher education or an apprenticeship or full time employment.

  • What are the features of a UTC curriculum?

    There is a broad general curriculum, and the core subjects of maths, English and science are taught through highly demanding technical projects.

    * Pre-16 students will spend about 60% of their time on academic subjects and 40% on technical ones. Post-16 the percentage is reversed with about 40% academic teaching, 60% technical.
    * The curriculum content is determined and shaped through the partnership of employers and universities.
    * All students have the option to study a foreign language related to their technical curriculum.
    * Experience of work is a central element of the curriculum. The Government is fully supportive of ensuring that students combine work and study.

  • Why is it important for students to learn work-related skills?

    To get a job and keep it! In a recent Employers’ Skills survey, the skills they said were most in need of improvement were technical, practical and job-related skills.

  • Why specialise in health and digital technologies?

    Because that’s where local job opportunities are robust and growing.

  • What are the job opportunities in health technologies?

    The health sector is the largest employer in the UK. The sector includes hospitals, doctors’ surgeries, nursing homes, complementary medicine and other health practices. It also includes: forensics and laboratory technology, such as pathology; sports science; paramedical roles; physiotherapy and radiology. In 2010, vacancies in health and social work accounted for 12% of all London’s vacancies. By 2017, over 100,000 qualified people will be needed to fill jobs in this sector. Health technology is of growing importance to patient care.

  • What are the job opportunities in digital technologies?

    The majority of the UK’s TV, film, photography, video, animation and computer games firms are based in London. It’s estimated that 70,000 new jobs will be created in the UK’s creative services industry by 2020. There are also large telecommunications companies and the new “Silicon Valley” of London is just around the corner! Firms are constantly looking for young people with advanced technical skills, such as coding and programming. One of our partner companies uses space technologies.

  • How can I be assured of the high quality of Hackney UTC’s provision?

    The sponsor of Hackney UTC is Hackney Community College. Quality and success rates have risen consistently over recent years. Ofsted graded the college ‘Good’ in 2010 and the college has a strong reputation in the education sector. The Head Teacher and her team are highly experienced and come from schools which are good or outstanding.

  • Will free school meals continue to be available?

    Yes – all pupils that are eligible for free school meals will still have that entitlement.

  • What will be the uniform? And where can I purchase it from?

    The uniform will be smart business wear. We are currently sourcing a quality, cost effective uniform supplier and more information will be available shortly.

  • Will the UTC select pupils according to their ability?

    No – the proposed UTC will be a comprehensive and inclusive school, open to pupils of all abilities. University Technical Colleges are not allowed to select children by their academic ability. It is important though that all UTC students are prepared to work to the very best of their ability and to reach their potential.

  • My child has special educational needs? How will those needs be catered for?

    The UTC will ensure that pupils with SEN are admitted on an equal basis with others in accordance with its admissions policy. The proposed academy will continue this work and will include children with Special Educational Needs throughout the curriculum.

  • Will the classes be mixed ability for most subjects?

    Classes will be set according to ability for most subjects.

  • How can we keep up to date with what is happening?

    We will be holding a number of events including taster sessions for interested parents/carers and students starting in March 2012. Further information will be published on our events page.

  • Will there be parent governors?

    There will be a minimum of two parent governors on the Board of Governors.

  • What will the pastoral system look like?

    All students will be in a tutor group and they will also have mentors from industry and from University of East London.

  • Will there be any additional costs for parents regarding equipment?

    there will be no additional costs.

  • When do we inform the current schools that the child is leaving?

    Once you have formally applied to the UTC and your application has been formally accepted, you may inform your current school. We will provide you with a model letter.

  • How can I apply to the UTC?

    Applications should be made directly to Hackney UTC by either completing the online form or downloading the PDF application form.  If you would like to find out more on how to apply for a place please email utcadmissions@hackneyutc.co.uk and we will guide you through the process.