Students at Hull’s pioneering business-led school, Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC), have yet again delivered an impressive set of GCSE and Level 2 technical results, with grades far surpassing the national averages.
The results once more demonstrate that the Ofsted Outstanding-rated school’s employer-shaped curriculum, innovative teaching, hard-working students and supportive parents are a winning combination.
The school, in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, achieved a 100% pass rate across every qualification, with an impressive 80% of students achieving a grade 4 or above in both English and Maths, compared to the national average, reported in the latest government research, of 65.1%.
Disadvantaged students at the school have also bucked the trend of under-performing compared to their peers, with 52% of white British students in receipt of free school meals achieving a grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared to the national average of just 18.6%.
Key highlights of Ron Dearing UTC’s GCSE and Level 2 technical results include:
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “Our Year 11 students have absolutely blown us away, rising to the challenge and delivering results that reflect their sheer determination, grit and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Across the country, disadvantaged students are too often held back by their circumstances, but, at Ron Dearing UTC, we break that cycle. Nationally, only 18.6% of white British pupils who are eligible for free school meals achieve grade 5 or higher in both English and Maths, whereas our figure is 52%.
“Our inclusive, employer-led approach empowers every student to succeed – no matter their background. Our results aren’t just impressive; they’re proof that our model delivers real opportunity and lasting impact.
“With Year 11 attendance holding firm at an incredible 97%, our students’ dedication speaks volumes. We couldn’t be prouder of them.
“Huge thanks to the parents and carers, our university and employer partners, our teachers and our phenomenal pastoral team, whose support and belief in our students helped make this success story possible.”
Victoria Sibova, 16, swept up in her GCSEs, recording the best results yet by a Ron Dearing UTC GCSEs student.
Victoria racked up eight Grade 9s in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature and Computer Science. She also received a Distinction* in Programmable Systems Engineering.
She will be returning to Ron Dearing UTC in September to study A-levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Engineering, and aspires to study engineering at university.
Victoria said: “I was really happy with how my exams went, but I was still quite nervous waking up today and coming in to get my results.
“I opened my results with my mum and sister next to me. My mum burst into tears as soon as she saw the results. I’m relieved and I’m looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends.”
A budding marine biologist has also taken a step closer to her dream career after securing top GCSE results.
Lola Garrod’s grades included Grade 9s in Biology and English Literature, 8s in Physics, English Language and Photography, 7s in Chemistry and Maths and a Level 2 Distinction in iMedia.
She is now preparing to study Biology, Chemistry and Combined English Literature and Language A-levels in Ron Dearing UTC’s Sixth Form, with the goal of going on to university to study marine biology.
Lola, 16, said: “The teachers at Ron Dearing have all been so supportive and are always more than happy to help with anything you need. I’m really looking forward to starting my A-levels, especially Biology because I find it a really interesting subject.”
Sadiq Iddrisu secured great grades in all subjects despite undergoing major surgery just last year.
Sadiq, 16, secured impressive grades including 8s in Maths, English Language and the sciences as well a Level 2 Distinction in Engineering, just months after surgery to repair bone damage in his knee.
After missing almost two months of school during his difficult recovery, the support of the Ron Dearing community has propelled Sadiq to success and he is now looking forward to studying Engineering, Maths and Physics in the school’s Sixth Form.
Sadiq said: “The teachers at Ron Dearing were really supportive and helped me a lot during my recovery. I don’t think I would have had that much support at another school.”
The excellent results follow hot on the heels of last week’s impressive A-level and Level 3 technical outcomes from Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form students, making it a double celebration for the school.
A total of 165 students from Year 11 will progress into Ron Dearing UTC’s sixth form – the highest number to date. They will be joined by 60 students from other schools.
Nearly 500 applications were received for just 225 places in Year 12, confirming Ron Dearing UTC’s status as one of the region’s most sought-after schools
Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, added: “These results are a powerful reflection of the drive, discipline and ambition that set Ron Dearing UTC students apart – exactly the qualities employers and universities are hungry for.
“Our employer-led curriculum isn’t just working; it’s thriving. This is more than academic success – it’s a celebration of teamwork, tenacity and shared purpose. Huge congratulations to every student, teacher, parent and staff member who have made this achievement possible.”
Located in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, Ron Dearing UTC serves students aged 14–19 with a curriculum shaped by leading employers and focused on Maths, English, Sciences, Art and Design, Engineering and Computing.
Ron Dearing UTC now has more than 60 Employer Partners who work alongside the school’s experienced teaching staff to equip students with the skills, qualifications and maturity required by leading businesses and vital to supporting the growth of the region’s economy.
The UTC’s Founding Partners are the University of Hull and leading local employers KCOM, Reckitt, Siemens Gamesa, Smith+Nephew and Spencer Group. The school is also supported by Hull City Council alongside many other Major Partners and Partners.
