Hull’s trailblazing Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) is celebrating exceptional A-level and technical results achieved by its largest-ever cohort of students.
The employer-led school has once again raised the bar for A-level and Level 3 technical results across the board, despite many more students taking exams, following the UTC’s expansion two years ago.
This year’s sixth form cohort of 192 students is almost 25% larger than previously, with performance yet again rising to new highs.
Highlights of the school’s A-level and Level 3 technical results this year include:
- 44% of all grades are A or A* (3% higher than last year).
- 93% of grades are A* to C (2% up on last year).
- The average grade for A-levels is a B.
- The average grade for Level 3 technical qualifications, including Engineering, Computing, Applied Science and Creative iMedia, is Distinction +.
Over half of the Year 13 students are now heading to university, while many others have secured high-quality apprenticeships with leading businesses.
The exceptional student outcomes come after the school retained its “Outstanding” status in June following a glowing Ofsted inspection report.
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley said: “We’re over the moon with these results. Growing our student body whilst continuing to build on outstanding standards was always going to be a challenge, but our entire school community have pulled together and delivered excellence across the board.
“These achievements are a powerful testament to the unwavering quality of our teaching and learning and our unique employer-engaged curriculum.
“A heartfelt thank you to our phenomenal staff, our inspiring educational partner, the University of Hull, our Governing Board and Employer Partners, as well as the amazing parents and carers who’ve played such a vital role in this success story.
“Our Year 13 students have worked incredibly hard to seize the opportunities available to them, and their commitment and resilience have truly shone through. Supporting them on their journey hasbeen an absolute honour. We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”
Star student Will Pinder, 18, is heading to the University of Cambridge having achieved four A* grades, despite facing significant health challenges.
Will gained A* in Maths from last year, plus A* grades in Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths this year, securing him a place at Cambridge to study Natural Sciences.
Will’s achievement is even more impressive given that he was diagnosed with epilepsy in Year 11 and underwent brain surgery to remove a benign tumour just days after completing his AS-level Maths exam.
Will said: “I’m as happy as it’s possible to be. I’ve got into the university of my choice – my dream university Cambridge, doing my dream course.
“I couldn’t really choose between physics, chemistry and maths because I enjoyed them all, but Cambridge rolls them all into one called Natural Sciences. It leaves it quite broad, which is perfect for me.”
Aspiring artist Beth Mason, 18, is celebrating after securing a place at a top creative university following excellent A-level results.
Beth Mason, 18, achieved an A* Fine Art, A* in 3D Design, and an A in English Literature. Her grades mean Beth has secured her first-choice place to study Fine Art at Leeds Arts University, where she hopes to develop her creative talents.
Beth said: “I’m really relieved – getting into Leeds Arts Uni was definitely my goal. I was really nervous, especially for English, because I hadn’t got my marks back beforehand, so it could have gone either way.
“I’m really grateful for all the teachers who encouraged me to pursue art. I feel like I wouldn’t have got that if I stayed at my old school. My ambition is to eventually go freelance and sell my own work.
Jaheim Williams, 18, will soon start a degree apprenticeship in nuclear engineering, working at Rolls Royce in Derby.
Jaheim achieved A-levels in Chemistry, English and Maths, to secure the prestigious position with aerospace, nuclear and defence giant Rolls Royce.
He said: “The interview process for Rolls Royce was pretty tough. I did some initial online tests and then, from that, around 270 people got invited to the next stage of the assessment. I was then selected as one of around 50 students to be offered a place.
“I’m going to be learning more about the nuclear industry, how it can be applied to meet the UK’s energy demands, both today and in the future. I’ll also be learning some key skills like welding and Computer Aided Design. My ambition is to become a Chartered Engineer with Rolls Royce.”
Many Ron Dearing UTC students are now preparing to join universities in the elite Russell Group, to study a variety of exciting courses ranging from neuroscience to veterinary care, fine art, illustration, architecture and much more.
Others will begin apprenticeships in areas such as nuclear engineering and software development with leading companies, including the UTC’s Founding and Employer Partners.
Richard Martin, Chair of the Governing Board at Ron Dearing UTC and Non-Executive Director at Major Partner Arco, added: “The drive and determination of the young people at Ron Dearing, coupled with the dedication of staff, the University of Hull, our Founding and Employer Partners, and the students’ parents and carers, has once again proven to be the perfect formula for success.
“It’s been truly inspiring to witness how the school has grown without compromising its exceptional standards. These students are stepping into exciting futures, and their time at the UTC has given them the perfect launchpad for success.”
Ron Dearing UTC’s Founding Partners include 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.
Students who would like to join Ron Dearing UTC in Year 10 or Year 12 in September 2026 are invited to attend one of three planned open events on October 2, November 6 and January 8. For more information, and to book a place, go to www.rondearingutc.com/openevents
