University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are to be exempted from the Schools Bill’s requirement that all schools deliver the national curriculum, Skills Minister Baroness Smith told the House of Lords yesterday.
This will mean UTCs will continue to be able to deliver a specialist technical education curriculum, alongside tentpole academic subjects such as English, maths, and science.
Baroness Smith said: “UTCs (and studio schools) offer a distinctive curriculum which specialises in technical and vocational education. Pupils make an active decision alongside their parents to attend these schools for that distinct curriculum.
“In choosing to go to such a school, they indicate that they do not want to study the full breadth of the national curriculum as such, the requirements to follow the full national curriculum will not apply to UTCs and studio schools.
“The details of the exemption will be discussed with UTCs and studio schools, and the regulations will be laid before Parliament in due course.”
Responding to the news, Chief Executive of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust Kate Ambrosi commented: “Baker Dearing is very pleased that our network of University Technical Colleges will be exempted from the Schools Bill’s requirement that all schools deliver the national curriculum.
“This ensures the future of the high-quality, employer-led specialist technical education that our UTCs deliver. The UTC model has helped thousands of young people progress to apprenticeships, higher technical education, and careers in sectors where young, innovative talent is much needed.
“This comes after UTCs achieved an exemption from the legislation’s requirement that all teachers much hold ‘qualified’ status.
“Both exemptions are a tremendous accomplishment for UTCs, Baker Dearing, and our stakeholders. The amendment and the support of peers are testament to the success of our programme and suggests that our model is understood and valued by ministers, politicians, and officials.
“We would like to thank the Department for Education, our supporters in the Houses of Commons and Lords, and our industry partners including JCB.
“We look forward to helping more young people access opportunities for fulfilling careers in industries that are helping grow the British economy.”
For more articles like this, visit our People & Skills channel