New site identified for £10m University Technical College

A proposal has been put forward to site the pioneering South Devon UTC - the area’s first University Technical College – at Blacklers, the former Renault dealership premises in Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot.

Funding to purchase the site from Teignbridge District Council will be provided by the Education Funding Agency, part of the Department for Education. The final site approval rests with Government Minister Lord Nash.

The innovative school will offer a new way of learning for up to 600 young people aged 14 to 18.

Students will benefit from purpose built specialist facilities and will have the opportunity to study GCSEs and A levels alongside vocational qualifications in engineering and science as well as undertaking extensive project work with local employers and the University of Exeter.

They will also develop their employability skills and undertake substantial work experience to ensure they will be well equipped to enter the world of work or progress to university.

The University of Exeter’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve Smith, said: “The University Technical College will play a key role in inspiring Devon’s young people to consider higher education and an engineering or science career.

“As a leading UK University we have an important part to play in raising the aspirations of local school students, and our extensive programme of outreach activity already demonstrates the opportunities offered through a university education to young people across the South West.

“The University Technical College will provide a new pathway to higher education to young people with a flair for engineering or science.”

The Environment Agency’s Regional Director Richard Cresswell said: “When we are recruiting engineers and scientists we look for knowledge of our industry and an enthusiasm to be involved. We see that the UTC will give students the passion they need to ensure a commitment to their scientific or engineering career with us.”

A pre-planning consultation will be held for local residents on Wednesday 5 February, from 5-6.30pm, at Old Forde House, with the planning application being submitted during February.