Sussex’s new university technical college has had to increase the number of places available in its first year due to demand. There is a waiting list to join UTC@harbourside in Year 10 when it opens in September and the last few places in Year 12 are being snapped up fast now that GCSE exams are over.
But Principal Jonathan Clarke says anyone thinking of joining should still apply online. And parents of children currently in Year 8 should get in touch to register their interest for next year.
UTC@harbourside, for 14-18 year olds across Sussex interested in science, technology, engineering, maths and computing, initially had places for 120 students: 60 in Y10 and 60 in Y12. But demand for Y10 was so strong the intake was increased to 75 – and quickly filled. All Y12 places are expected to be filled.
Students are joining from more than 20 secondary schools across Brighton & Hove, East and West Sussex, from Worthing in the west to Eastbourne and Hastings in the east and to Haywards Heath and Tunbridge Wells in Kent to the north.
Jonathan Clarke said, “We’re doing what we can to increase our capacity so we can offer places to as many students as possible. If you are thinking of joining you should still apply online and we still have a few places available in Year 12. Clearly the style of education we’re offering, mixing academic and technical subjects, with employer-led projects and an entrepreneurial approach is what many young people want.”
A-level students will get five hours of lessons a week in each subject, taught by experienced and passionate teachers, with extra support after school by specialists in their subjects. GCSE pupils will study core subjects including English and Maths as well as a choice of science, engineering and other subjects.
The college will be housed in historic marine workshops at Railway Quay, Newhaven, currently being converted to provide an iconic home equipped with state-of-the art labs and learning zones.
Details of the admissions policy and how to apply can be found at http://www.utc-harbourside.org/apply-now
