University technical colleges and studio schools
In Staffordshire, there are a range of educational opportunities for children aged between 14 and 19 years of age, all of which can lead to valuable qualifications and give your child access to further learning at college or university, an apprenticeship or a job.
In the future, young people with skills in advanced manufacturing (and science, technology, engineering and maths more generally) will be in a position to get the best jobs in the county. See more information about where jobs will be in future.
Your child’s school has a statutory duty to ensure your child is given impartial careers guidance to inspire them to fulfil their potential and make them aware of all opportunities open to them.
University technical colleges (UTCs)
When your child is in Year 9, one of these opportunities is to consider applying for a place at a University Technical College (UTC).
Each UTC is backed by employers and a local university who work with staff to develop a curriculum that gives students first-hand experience of what life is like after school. They operate a longer school day than most schools with days typically starting at 8:30am and ending at 5:00pm.
At GCSE, UTCs offer a similar curriculum to a typical 11-18 secondary school, including the basics of english and maths, as well as one or two specialist technical subjects.
UTCs generally serve an area which extends across a number of local authorities.
The following is a list of UTCs in and around Staffordshire.
You may also find the information provided on the UT Colleges website helpful in learning more about UTCs.
Studio schools
Studio Schools are a new type of school for 14-19 year olds. They have employer involvement in the curriculum and teach through enterprise projects and real work so that learning is rooted in real-life and students develop the skills employers value.
They are generally small schools of around 300 pupils, have year round opening and a 9-5 working day.
The following is a list of Studio Schools closest to Staffordshire.
Applying for a UTC or studio school place
If you decide that you would like to apply for a place at any of the above, you will need to complete an application directly with the UTC/Studio School you are interested in.