Technical schools failing: ‘half full and perform less well’

Technical schools in England have received millions of pounds in public funding, but many get poorer results than other secondary schools and are only half full, the National Audit Office (NAO) has warned.

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are a type of free school, generally teaching pupils aged between 14 and 19. They are designed so employers and universities can jointly provide technical education, in subjects such as engineering, science technology and healthcare. The NAO has found that they are less likely than other equivalent schools to be rated as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by inspectors.

The NAO found that between 2010-11 and 2018-19 the Department for Education has spent £792m on the UTC initiative, with 58 opening over the last nine years. Of those, 10 have now closed as UTCs, and of the 48 still operational, they were at an average capacity of 45%. The report found that 4,863 students were attending UTCs considered by Ofsted to be inadequate or requiring improvement.

The DfE responded by highlighting that 21% of UTC pupils progress into apprenticeships after completing their post-16 education, which is more that double the national average of 6%.

DfE’s attempts to salvage UTCs are failing as deficits soar (Schools Week) Technical schools lavished with Gove funding criticised by watchdog (The Guardian) Technical schools 'half full and perform less well' (BBC) UTCs: Half full, closing down and underperforming (TES)

Why should this matter to me?

With UTCs struggling to recruit and retain students, they may be keen to invest in products to help keep current students happy and encourage recruitment. They may also want to capitalise on their reputation as a strong spring-board to an apprenticeship by focusing on careers support. UTCs also, this report finds, struggle with Ofsted inspections, and could be supported by staff training and CPD to better prepare and meet goals.