UTC South Durham

A good university technical college school in County Durham. Explore Ofsted ratings, admissions information, and performance data for UTC South Durham.

Newton Aycliffe, DL56AP Ofsted: Good Age 14-19 Mixed intake
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Performance Score

Overall school rating

40

/ 100

Secondary with Sixth Form weighted harmonic mean of 5 indicators

Indicators used for Secondary with Sixth Form schools

Progress 8 score
32.4
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: -0.99
English & Maths grade 4+ %
45.5
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 43.8%
Continue in education or training
21.6
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 29.0%
Sustained employment
73.2
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: 37.0%
Ofsted inspection outcome
75.0
/ 100 normalized
Weight: 20.0%
Raw: Good

How we weight each phase

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Primary schools

  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 40.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Secondary schools

  • Progress 8 score 40.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

All-through schools

  • Progress 8 score 25.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils meeting expected standard 20.0%
  • KS2 pupils exceeding expected standard 15.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Secondary with Sixth Form schools

  • Progress 8 score 20.0%
  • English & Maths grade 4+ % 20.0%
  • Continue in education or training 20.0%
  • Sustained employment 20.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 20.0%

Sixth Form Only schools

  • Continue in education or training 40.0%
  • Sustained employment 30.0%
  • Ofsted inspection outcome 30.0%

Special schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Alternative Provision schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Independent schools

  • Ofsted inspection outcome 100.0%

Ofsted Inspection

Official inspection outcomes

Good
Overall effectiveness
Good
Last inspected
5 March 2024
Previous grade
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour & attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership & management
Good
Safeguarding
Effective

Source: Ofsted inspection outcomes. Grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate.

Contact Information

How to reach this school

Source: GIAS
Address
Long Tens Way
Aycliffe Business Park
Newton Aycliffe, DL56AP

Location

Find the school on the map

Source: Geocoding

School Information

Basic details and characteristics

Source: GIAS
URN
142894
Type
University technical college
Phase
Secondary with Sixth Form
Address
Long Tens Way, Aycliffe Business Park, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6AP
Age range
14-19
Gender
Mixed
Religious character
Does not apply
School status
Open
Trust/MAT
THE DURHAM UTC LIMITED
Capacity
600 pupils
Setting
Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Sixth Form
Yes
Nursery
No

School Performance Data

Official government statistics

Source: DfE

School Demographics

Total Pupils
419
Free School Meals
28.5% (119 pupils)
Special Educational Needs
3.1% (13 pupils)

Daily Attendance

Attendance Rate
90.5%
Good
Persistent Absence
32.6%
Missing 10%+ of school days

Real Success Rates

What happens to students after they leave this school

Continue Education
29.0%
University, college, or sixth form
Enter Employment
37.0%
Full or part-time jobs
Start Apprenticeships
27.0%
Learning while earning
Not in Education or Work
5.0%
NEET - needs support

Sixth Form University Progression

Where sixth form students go after graduation

University Progression
22%
Quality: Below Average
Sixth Form Size
59 students
Per cohort
Apprenticeships
27.0%

Calculated Fields

Derived insights and analysis

Source: Calculated

Class Size Information

Average Class Size
35 pupils
Large Classes
Pupils per Year Group
70
Average across all year groups
Total School Size
419 pupils
14-19

Subjects This School Excels At

Subjects where students perform significantly above national average

Mathematics (GCE A level)
(16 students)
Sports Studies (OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate at Level 3)
(7 students)
Physics (GCE A level)
(9 students)

Strong performance in 3 subjects

From the School Website

Information extracted from the school's own website

Source: School Website

Ethos & Values

Organise Communicate Reflect Persevere Collaborate Respect

Head Teacher's Message

UTC South Durham is a state-funded, purpose-built school and Sixth Form for 14–19 on Newton Aycliffe Business Park. Opened in 2016, Ofsted rated Good in 2019 and 2024, with high levels of parental and student endorsement. The linked model focuses on STEM with a blend of academic and technical education and professional skills, designed around three strands: academic/technical knowledge, core skills, and professional and career experiences.

Extracurriculars

Clubs

lunchtime clubs afterschool clubs

Sports

multi use games arena studio gym

Facilities

Engineering Hall Pneumatic Robotic Arm (donated by Gestamp) Welding Bay Mechatronics Lab (FESTO branded equipment) Haas CNC (Fully automated CNCs) Materials Testing CAD Suite DeWALT Wall 3D printers Classrooms and Science Labs Balcony Common Room Gym Learning Lounge Engineering Annex

Curriculum Highlights

Specialist STEM focus with engineering and advanced manufacturing Year 10 core subjects followed by bespoke Sixth Form pathways (A Levels, T Levels, Pre Apprenticeship) PaCE Curriculum (Professional and Career Experiences) Industry Projects (12 weeks) Induction Activities International Travel (fully funded volunteering) Work Experience (two weeks in Year 10 and Year 12) Enrichment Uniform policy implemented to mirror professional environment

SEND Provision

All students have access to a broad curriculum; curriculum can be adapted to suit each student’s ability and interests; rapid identification of SEND provision; parents of SEND students are regularly updated with progress; building is accessible with ramped entry and a lift; safeguarding and child protection are prioritised; adults are available for pupils to turn to for help and support.

Admissions Criteria

Strong interest in at least one of the following subject areas: Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths; willingness to engage with projects outside classroom settings and interact with industry partners in a professional manner; positive attitude to learning with history of high attendance; creative thinkers with a passion for problem solving; committed to attending a longer school week (about 30 hours); enjoy a balanced mix of classroom and workshop-based learning.

Financial Information

Bursaries: Available

State-funded (government funded)

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