Revised plans submitted for ‘necessary’ Doncaster UTC

A revised application for Doncaster to open a University Technical College (UTC) has been resubmitted to the Department for Education.

Business leaders behind the application want to see the specialist technical college open by September 2019.

The college specialising in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) subjects would give Doncaster teenagers the skills firms are in demand for.

The scheme, led by Doncaster Chamber, is supported by Hungerhill School, XP, Doncaster College, Sheffield University, Sheffield Hallam University, the National College for Highspeed Rail, Wabtec, Keepmoat Regeneration, and DMBC.

Dan Fell, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber: “Local manufacturing, construction and rail engineering firms are regularly telling the Chamber that they are having problems with the talent pipeline for their industries.

“We have worked hard for the last two years to convince Government that this institution is a necessary addition to Doncaster’s education landscape.

“We are working with schools across the borough to provide a curriculum of technical skills that are not currently taught elsewhere. Doncaster’s economy is changing and is creating more demand for certain skills.

“I’d particularly like to thank our colleagues in the education sector that have worked so hard to translate the vision created by partners and businesses into something that will meet Department for Education approval but, more importantly, equate to a fantastic curriculum for the UTC’s pupils in the near future.”

The original bid was submitted last year but the Government requested more information about the scheme.

The revised application includes more details on finance, educational leadership and the curriculum. Additionally, the school would increase the number of 13 to 19 year olds by taking 750 (originally 600).