The UTC model was developed by the Baker Dearing Education Trust as part of the then Labour government’s vision to align learning with local industry and reduce the numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs). The first UTCs opened in 2013.
Executive Principal Joanne Harper and vice Principal Wayne Edwards were recruited before the UTC site was built. As Joanne says:
Having transformed a struggling London secondary school into an outstanding institution, Joanne knew that UTC Reading’s success depended on attracting staff who were prepared to participate in extended school days, parents who felt confident about moving their 14 years olds to a new educational model, and buy-in from the local business community.
To this end, the UTC’s senior leadership team (SLT) met regularly with Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Local Enterprise Partnership, and hosted pre-opening meetings for potential industry partners.