The Leigh UTC is delighted to announce it has been granted the highly respected Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award. This accolade recognises the UTC’s dedication to cultivating a truly inclusive and supportive learning environment for all its students. The recognition follows a thorough two day assessment, which underscored the college’s commitment to student success, robust industry partnerships, and a pioneering approach to education.
The IQM Assessor’s report commended The Leigh UTC as a “forward-thinking, ambitious, yet totally kind and considerate College,” observing that staff and governors “work relentlessly to understand the context of their intake and support all of their students and their families to understand what a great outcome would be for them, and then to achieve it.”
Nurturing Future STEM Professionals with a Human-Centric Approach
Since opening its doors in 2014, and notably becoming the first UTC in the UK to introduce Key Stage 3 in 2017, The Leigh UTC has been relentless in its mission to “nurture the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the ever evolving global market.” The college’s distinctive curriculum, thoughtfully crafted to align with the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP), champions learner profiles and Approaches to Learning (AtL) skills, fostering resilience, creativity, and critical thinking.
The report particularly highlighted the UTC’s focus on nurturing “industry-ready professionals who will thrive in the workplace and prosper well in work, play and family life, becoming active and mentally well citizens.” This commitment is clearly evidenced in exceptional destinations outcomes.
Empowering Every Student: A Focus on Personalised Support and Development
The Leigh UTC serves a diverse student body, and the unwavering commitment to individualised support is palpable through its extensive pastoral team, where every child belongs to a college headed by a Vice Principal. This structure enables a profound understanding of student needs and facilitates targeted interventions.
“We depersonalise challenge but personalise support,” a UTC representative explained. This ethos is vividly demonstrated through initiatives such as the “Professional Habits” of Respect, Relationships, and Responsibility, co-created by employers and staff, and the “Understanding Stanley” initiative, an enterprising and innovative method of embedding the UTC’s core values.
The report showcased numerous instances of personalised support, from tailoring learning environments for students with medical conditions or learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD, to providing bespoke transport solutions for families to enhance attendance. A Year 12 student, who had previously left and subsequently returned, commended The Leigh UTC teachers for “personalising learning and helping students to really engage in the provision.”
Strong Industry Links and Real-World Preparation
The Leigh UTC’s outstanding relationships with industry partners are a cornerstone of its success. “Employers spoke emphatically about the quality of learners’ knowledge and skills leaving the UTC,” stated the 2024 Baker Dearing Educational Trust Report. Students gain invaluable real-world experience through a wide array of extra-curricular clubs, trips, guest speakers, work experience placements, and industry visits. Many students even cultivate work-related contact lists before leaving school.
The UTC is a leading provider for T-levels, which necessitate 45 days of work experience annually, and also hosts a STEAM week featuring meaningful encounters with partners. Alumni, many of whom are now successful engineers, actively return to support events, offering inspiration and mentorship to current students.
A Culture of Calm, High Expectations, and Continuous Improvement
Despite navigating various contextual challenges, The Leigh UTC maintains a robust and consistent approach to behaviour management. This is coupled with significant investment in support, fostering a calm atmosphere, improving progress scores, and increasing applications to its sixth form.
The Leigh UTC’s attainment of the Inclusion Quality Mark Inclusive School Award marks a significant achievement, acknowledging its exceptional commitment to delivering an inclusive, high-quality education that truly prepares students for future success in both their professional and personal lives.
