UTC Derby - Pride Park

"It was the best decision to take my daughter to the UTC. At the previous school, Noel-Baker Academy, she was taught by an endless stream of supply teachers who did not teach. Because of this, she was predicted to fail all her GCSEs. This UTC has gave her all the possible support and she managed to achieve grades 8s and 9s. I do admit that the school has had a shaky start, but it is improving rapidly unlike a lot of the other schools in the city."

"This school is absolutely excellent, especially if you have a child with special needs. They have a very proactive and dedicated SENCO team that are caring and attentive to students that need extra help. When my son moved to the UTC in Year 10, he was bottom set everything and predicted level 1s across the board. His old school had removed all support and he was struggling, lacked confidence and had lost all motivation with the school system. After moving to the UTC, he was reassessed and all the provisions his previous school had removed were reinstated by the UTC, plus extra provisions that his SENCO identified he needed. My son's confidence improved dramatically and the dread he used to feel about going to his old school went away completely - he was like a different child. He went on to flourish at the school coming out with 5 GCSE passes that we never would have imagined he could get! The UTC has had a challenging start but I believe this is purely the teething problems any new school would have. If you have a child struggling at their present school and are fighting to get SENCO support, move them to the UTC in Year 10. You will not regret it."

"Extremely hard working staff who always have the best interests of the young adults they teach at heart. The young adults can be challenging,but they are quite humorous,kind and caring characters and deserve the best chance in life to support their future careers. Well impressed with the support and common sense approach of the learners."

"Great school. My son spent 2 years here and was in the first student year 10 intake when the UTC opened. Despite the inevitable difficulties in the UTC finding their feet in the first year or so and with a few changes in leadership and exodus of teaching staff my son passed his GCSES and is now studying for A Levels. All the more remarkable that he has severe dyslexia was previously home Educated and had no previous formal education. He had some great teachers and support staff were fantastic. His brother will be joining UTC in the near future. Highly recommend this school"

"Best school I have ever worked at! Loved every second of it!"