GCSE success for UTC Swindon

Year 11 students at UTC Swindon were celebrating this morning after receiving their GCSE results. 

The college hailed the successes as a good foundation for students planning further study in the sixth form or with other post-16 education providers.

The University Technical College, specialising in engineering and digital technologies, prides itself on offering a strong technical education alongside GCSEs in a workplace-style environment. 

Principal Jon Oliver said: “This has been an incredibly hard year for young people and we are delighted that the hard work and determination of our Year 11 students has been reflected in the grades that they have been awarded this year. 

"A large proportion of our students have chosen to continue their studies at UTC Swindon as they extend their skills, qualifications and preparation for the world of work. Well done to all of you!” 

The success stories included that of Tamzin Baker, who achieved a Distinction in Engineering and grade 7 in Maths, along with excellent grades in her other subjects.

She will use these when she starts an Extended Diploma in Engineering in September, and said that being at UTC Swindon had “...allowed me to build my confidence whilst studying towards a future career in engineering.”

Another student, Keegan Dias, said he was amazed and delighted to have exceeded his target grades in all his subjects, gaining three qualifications in Engineering and consistent grade 5s in his other subjects. 

Staff said this was deserved recognition for his exceptional hard work and commitment.

He joins the UTC Swindon Sixth Form in September, studying towards a Diploma in Engineering and A Level Physics. 

Josh Lee achieved a Distinction in Engineering Manufacture and grade 9s in Maths, Chemistry and Physics, with grades 7 and 8 in his other subjects. 

He will study for A Levels in Mathematics, Chemistry and Computer Science, alongside an Extended Certificate in IT.

Josh said he had enjoyed the combination of learning in a workplace environment, opportunities to work with renowned employers such as Intel and experiences that had allowed him to develop personally.

Ben Wiltshire is a keen engineer and was awarded Distinctions in three engineering qualifications, as well as scoring above grade 7 in all other subjects. 

He will continue his passion for engineering when he studies for an Extended Diploma next term, along with A Level Physics.

Ben said he had enjoyed working in a more work-based environment and was looking forward to extending his opportunities in engineering by joining UTC Swindon's sixth form.

Joanne Harper, CEO of Activate Learning Education Trust, of which UTC is a part, said: “We are all incredibly proud of the achievements of our Year 11 students. 

"Students are now able to rightly celebrate the results of two years of hard work and secure their post-16 places, either in our sixth form, other educational establishments, apprenticeships or the workplace; we look forward to hearing of and celebrating their future successes.”  

The range of opportunities for UTC Swindon students includes the Royal Navy Engineering Challenge, residential learning weekends, maths and AI challenges and focused coaching programmes among work experience opportunities with leading industry partners. 

Staff have been providing information, advice and guidance on GCSE results day and will continue to do so throughout the rest of August and early September.