UTC Swindon has been honoured with the ‘School or College Widening Access Award’ at the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON) awards, held at Westminster Palace on 2nd December. The accolade recognises the school’s outstanding work in helping young people from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds access further education and apprenticeships.
Since its establishment, UTC Swindon has been at the forefront of encouraging students to pursue careers in engineering and digital technologies. Through its collaboration with Study Higher, a network promoting social mobility, the school has been instrumental in opening doors for students, offering personalised mentoring, university visits, and guidance on apprenticeship applications.
The award highlights UTC Swindon’s innovative approach to education, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which has resulted in a steady increase in students progressing to both university and high-level apprenticeships. Last year, 37% of the school’s sixth-form leavers embarked on apprenticeships, with 64% of these at higher or degree level, a figure well above the national average of 31%. A further 13% continued their education at university.
UTC Swindon’s success can be attributed to the strong partnerships formed with institutions like Study Higher and its continuous collaboration with businesses and employers. Jess Hill, Access Officer at Study Higher, collected the award on the school’s behalf. Speaking about the award, Jess explained: “The judges were impressed by the school’s focus on up-and-coming science and technology skills and its work with local businesses to prepare students for the future.”
Hollie Taylor, Headteacher of UTC Swindon, expressed her pride in the school’s achievement: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award, and we are grateful to Jess and the whole Study Higher team for their unwavering support. The opportunities they provide are crucial to the development of our students and their future careers. We are also thankful to NEON for recognising the hard work of UTC Swindon in supporting young people in their educational journey.”
The achievement underlines the continued success of UTC Swindon’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education and to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the tools and support needed to succeed in higher education and beyond.
