University Technical Colleges (UTCs) continue to feature on education pages across national, regional and online publications.

On Monday 10th October the education secretary, Michael Gove announced the opening of 13 UTCs in a Commons statement. The press below and over 200 others reported on the story as well as Channel 4 news, ITN and BBC.

Richard Garner visited the JCB Academy for his feature in The Independent where he met JCB Academy principal, Jim Wade. Jim was quoted saying, "much of the work we do here is highly intellectually demanding" and "many of our students are aiming for places at Russell Group universities." The article also documented Michael Gove's announcement of the next 14 UTCs.

The Daily Telegraph led with the headline, 'Pupils learn a trade at new University Technical College' Graeme Paton reported "Up to 10,000 teenagers will be able to transfer to 18 specialist institutions set up across England to focus on subjects such as design, engineering and construction." Silverstone and Wigan UTC bids were mentioned specifically, however Paton also reported that "Up to 70 institutions are expected to be opened in coming years."

The Guardian took the business angle on the story announcing that "A wave of comprehensive schools backed by firms including developers of the Blackberry,Toshiba, Boeing and Rolls Royce will open in England next year." Newcastle, Liverpool,Plymouth and Buckinghamshire UTC bids were mentioned and sponsors including Cisco, Hewlet Packard, Babciock, Novartis and Research in Motion were also name checked.

[1] The Independent, The real apprentices: have they seen a way to a brighter future? Richard Garner 17.10.11

[2] Daily Telegraph,  Pupils to learn a trade at University Technical Colleges 10.10.11

[3] The Guardian, Business backed, University Technical Colleges to launch next year, Jeevan Vasagar & Jessica Shepherd 10.10.11