9 December 2016

Leeds is set for Creative Digital UTC

Leeds is set for a new University Technical College following the successful launch of a manufacturing focused school earlier this year.

The Creative Digital UTC is being backed by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, and is in the process of making a bid to the Department of Education.

A school for 14-19 year olds, the school will provide technical, practical and academic learning in the creative and digital sectors as an alternative to GCSEs and A levels.

The Leeds City Region has around 40,000 people involved in the creative and digital sectors according to organisers of the bid, and the new UTC aims to fill skills gaps in the growing industry.

A steering board consists of Robert McClements, chief exec of the BPIF special interest group CDi Yorkshire as well as representatives from BPIF member Platinum HPL, Sun Branding Solutions, PWC, Leeds Beckett and the University of Leeds, along with others. CDi Yorkshire have been instrumental in forming a Proposing Group to go forward and bid for the funding to develop the UTC. 

The board is taking the proposed UTC through a bid process for the school, and it will be taken before the Department of Education in March for approval.