Former Education Secretary Lord Kenneth Baker met students and teaching staff at newly-opened Ron Dearing UTC on 22 September before unveiling a special Lord Mayors’ Centenary Plaque to commemorate Hull-born Lord Ron Dearing.
The unveiling was performed with fellow peer Lord Prescott, the former Deputy Prime Minster and Hull east MP. Guests at the ceremony included Lord Dearing’s niece, Jane Nelson, and former Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Glew, who leads the Lord Mayors’ Centenary Plaques initiative.
Lords Baker and Dearing co-founded the Baker Dearing Educational Trust to develop and promote the concept of university technical colleges. Today the Trust is the organisation at the heart of the University Technical College network, promoting and supporting new and existing UTCs.
The plaque unveiling was the culmination of a visit to the school by Lord Baker, Chair of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, during which he sat in on lessons and had lunch with some of the students.
Lord Mayors’ Centenary Plaques recognise individuals whose significant achievements have benefited people within and beyond Hull.
Lord Ron Dearing of Kingston upon Hull was born and educated in the city and went on to become a senior civil servant and Chairman of the Post Office. He was known for his integrity, intellect and determination and changed the landscape of higher education in the UK. He died in 2009.
Ron Dearing UTC Principal Sarah Pashley, said:
It’s been a great honour to host today’s visit by Lord Baker and to now have a permanent commemoration of Lord Dearing in this new school which bears his name. We’re grateful to Hull City Council, Councillor Glew and the Lord Mayor for such a fitting tribute. The support of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust has been critical in establishing Ron Dearing UTC, so this school and the talented students it will produce are a testament to the great work of both Lord Dearing and Lord Baker.
Inspired by their example, we’re excited by the challenge of delivering a completely new, employer-led education model for Hull and East Yorkshire and developing a pipeline of work-ready and tech-savvy young people to power the region’s economic growth.
Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Baker said:
Congratulations to all those involved in the development of Ron Dearing UTC. This is a great day for staff and students who are not just starting a school, but are joining a movement.
From the age of 14 students at this UTC will study digital technology and mechatronics – these are the jobs of the future. Ron Dearing UTC is strongly supported by several leading local employers. Students at Ron Dearing UTC will have the opportunity to go to university, take up an apprenticeship or get a job. What a tremendous tribute to Ron Dearing.
Councillor Glew commented:
Lord Ron Dearing was born locally and was highly gifted and an exceptional man. He was a true gentleman and greatly respected in Government circles and beyond. “It is only right and fitting that we honour him with a centenary plaque in the building that was named after him.
For more information about Ron Dearing UTC, please visit www.rondearingutc.com
