Former Conservative Education Secretary and Home Secretary, Lord Baker, says Energy Coast UTC in Workington is a ‘revolution in technical education’.
Chair and co-founder of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, Lord Baker, said: “The Energy Coast UTC near Sellafield has been awarded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – this is one of the most successful schools in the north of England. It leads a revolution in technical education.
“Last July 80% of its students became apprentices – this compares to last year’s national average of 6%.
“Ofsted recognise that: ‘Many pupils start at this school disillusioned with what they have achieved in their key stage 3 education at other schools. Some are resentful about schooling. Through excellent support and guidance, staff transform the negative attitudes of these pupils in a remarkably short period of time’.
“This UTC provides what Sellafield and its chain of local suppliers needs most – skilled technicians and engineers at 16 and 18.
“Ofsted also recognise that: ‘Leaders, managers and other staff have nurtured very effective relationships with a range of high-profile employers in the region. The employers and the UTC have developed excellent work-placement programmes that enthuse and engage students in STEM careers. Consequently, almost all students who leave the school at the end of Year 13 progress to STEM-related apprenticeships in the local community’.”