Lord Baker Archives | University Technical Colleges

Simon Connell appointed Chief Executive Officer of Baker Dearing Educational Trust

6th August 2019 (20th April 2020) by Mike Kimberlin

The Trustees of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust (“Baker Dearing”), the charity that supports and promotes University Technical Colleges (“UTCs”), announce that Simon Connell will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer from August 2019. Simon succeeds Charles Parker, who has served as Chief Executive since 2012. Simon has been Development Director of Baker Dearing since 2016. Prior to joining Baker Dearing, Simon was Chief Operating Officer of Educate, a school support services company, which he co-founded following a successful career in the financial services industry. Simon holds a mathematics degree from the University of…

Energy Coast UTC has become the latest UTC to be awarded an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report.

23rd July 2019 (20th April 2020) by Mike Kimberlin

Cherry Tingle, Principal of Energy Coast UTC described the achievement as exceptional, with the outstanding classification spanning every single area of inspection. A delighted Ms Tingle, who took over the helm in September 2016, said it was a very significant judgement and that everyone involved with UTC was over the moon with the highest possible classification. Inspectors said Ms Tingle had ‘systematically and very skilfully developed high-quality leadership skills in all school leaders and managers’. Student results, teaching, employer links and behaviour were all said to be outstanding. The report praised an ethos where pupils’…

Education system leaving young people unprepared for modern world – CBI

23rd July 2019 (20th April 2020) by Mike Kimberlin

Character and broader skills need greater emphasis in education Two reports published this summer from the British Chamber of Commerce and CBI share a common thread; the current education system is not preparing young people with the skills employers need. The British Chamber of Commerce revealed that 1 in 5 businesses say it takes up to six months to fill skilled roles and according to data from the CBI almost one in four young people (aged 17-23) feel that their education has not adequately prepared them for the world of work. With close to half…

A Revolution in Technical Education

4th July 2019 (20th April 2020) by Mike Kimberlin

Lord Baker welcomes a revolution in Technical Education saying: “The Energy Coast UTC at Sellafield has been awarded “Outstanding” by Ofsted – this is one of the most successful schools in the North of England. It leads a revolution in Technical Education.” Last July 80% of its students became apprentices – this compares to a national average of 6%. Ofsted recognise that: “Many pupils start at this school disillusioned with what they have achieved in their key stage 3 education at other schools. Some are resentful about schooling. Through excellent support and guidance, staff transform…