What is a UTC? 
and FAQs

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) are a new kind of school for 14-19  year olds. They are designed for young people whose passion and  talent lie in the practical application of their intelligence and creativity.

UTCs are sponsored by universities and employers,  helping prepare young people for their future careers.

For more information about UTCs please visit www.utcolleges.org

Joining Year 10
Frequently Asked Questions – Summer 2020

Watch our helpful video presentation which
answers some of your important questions.
Website links can be found in the PDF file below.

Click here to view a PDF with links to external content

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FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the answers to your questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.

University Technical Colleges (UTCs) offer a combination of academic and technical learning to young people aged 14-19. They give young people the opportunity to study at a specialist institution which is linked to employers within particular industries. UTCs are supported by universities and local employers, and offer clear progression routes into higher education, further learning and employment.

Mulberry UTC is located at 64 Parnell Road, E3 2RU. The UTC is being built on the site of the old fire station on the corner of Roman Road and Parnell Road. This location allows easy access by train (from Bow Road or Bow Church station), by a variety of bus services (number 339, 8, 276 or 488), by bicycle or by walking.

Mulberry UTC is a state-funded, non-fee paying school. The only costs for students and parents are that of a uniform and getting to the UTC. The uniform will by design, be affordable. There should be no more costs involved than expected at any other secondary school.

Mulberry UTC is designed to give students the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in their future careers.

We achieve this by:

  • support from local employers and universities that have genuine impact
  • a specially tailored curriculum which combines academic and technical qualifications
  • employing industry professionals to support technical learning
  • introducing students to an adult working environment with a professional culture
  • a focus on project-based learning
  • state-of-the-art facilities
  • extra-curricular and enrichment activities

One of the main differences at a UTC is the way in which our subjects are taught. Learning is linked to the real world and students take part in a wide range of practical tasks, challenges and projects. These help them to develop the practical and life skills they need to succeed in the adult world.

Students in Years 10 and 11 are required to wear a uniform which reflects business dress while also being smart, practical and affordable. Students in years 12 and 13 wear smart business dress in line with the ethos of the UTC.

Students in Years 10 and 11 study GCSEs in maths, English, science and humanities subjects. All students also undertake technical qualifications in our areas of technical specialism, as well as PE, PSHE, project-based learning, mentoring and independent study as well as a wide variety of enrichment activities.

Most students in Years 12 and 13 study a combination of A-levels and technical qualifications.

A-level subjects on offer include: Biology, Chemistry, English Literature, Government and Politics, maths, Psychology and Sociology.

For their technical qualifications, sixth form students choose from one of the following specialist areas of study:

  • Health and Social Care
  • Health Science
  • Business
  • Creative and Digital Media
  • Performing and Production Arts

Those students who have not yet achieved the equivalent of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 can study for a Level 2 qualification in Healthcare.

Sixth form students who have not achieved at least a grade 4 in English and/or maths will be required to re-take these qualifications (as they would at any other institution).

Mulberry UTC does not currently offer apprenticeships but we do prepare students for apprenticeship programmes. Through our partners, we give students the opportunity to work out which employer is best for them depending on whether they want to go to university or apply for an apprenticeship. Whichever route students choose, we support their applications and help them through the process.

At Year 10, the UTC is open to all students as long as they have an interest in the creative and digital industries or the health sector.

At Year 12, students must meet the minimum academic requirements to study on their chosen courses.

  • For Level 2 courses: 5 GCSEs at a minimum of 9-2 or equivalent
  • For Level 3 courses: 5 GCSEs at a minimum of 9-4 or equivalent, and at least a 6 grade for any subject you have studied at GCSE which you wish to continue with at A-level.
  • For T-Level courses: 5 GCSEs at grades 4 or above including in English and Maths

Any students who wish to join us for Year 10 or Year 12 can apply, as long as they have an interest in the creative and digital industries or the health sector.

Priority will be given to students with an SEN statement or an EHCP that names Mulberry UTC. Priority is also given to looked after and previously looked after children, as well as siblings of students who attend other schools within the Mulberry Schools Trust, pupils receiving the pupil or service pupil premium and children of staff at any school within the Mulberry Schools Trust. More details of our admissions policy can be found on our website.

Yes and there will be appropriate staff to assist you with your learning as required.

Please read more about our Inclusion/SEND provision here

You can apply on our website here: Paper copies of the application form are also available; please contact us by emailing info@mulberryutc.org.

Candidates will be informed by 31st March in the application year. If unsuccessful, there will be an independently run appeals process.

Our industry partners:

mulberry-school-for-girls-logo
goldsmiths-university-london-logo
barts-health-NHS-logo
national-theatre-logo
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