Standards

Baker Dearing supports UTCs to deliver the highest quality of technical education to students. This includes support through Ofsted inspections, guidance on how to deliver a UTC education, and regular training opportunities for UTC staff and leaders.

Baker Dearing supports UTCs before, during, and after Ofsted inspections

Currently, over 80 per cent of the UTC network is rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. To maintain and improve upon this, Baker Dearing has developed a comprehensive support package for UTCs expecting inspection, or going through it.

This support helps staff feel more confident about inspection and improves the UTC’s chances of securing a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ result, which not only boosts the reputation of the individual UTC, but of the whole network.

Support for all UTCs

We offer all principals and senior leaders the opportunity to hear from principals whose UTCs were inspected during the last academic year. Additionally, we provide training by Ofsted for governors and school leaders preparing for inspection.

Support for individual UTCs

Bespoke support for individual UTCs expecting inspection can also be provided by Baker Dearing’s team, or be brokered from the UTC network. Baker Dearing also supports UTCs through inspection, providing evidence for inspectors and information on the inspectors’ previous engagement with the network.

Training for staff

As part of our support with maintaining high standards in UTCs, Baker Dearing organises a comprehensive training programme for staff and governors. This includes an induction programme for new staff and training for those staff delivering or starting to deliver T Level qualifications.

New principals induction

For new UTC principals, we have developed an induction program and one-to-one mentoring from an existing or recently retired principal of a UTC. The programme will be bespoke to the needs of each new principal, but begins with an in-person induction day at a UTC.

T Level delivery

To encourage UTCs to take-up T Level qualifications, Baker Dearing has organised training sessions, led by the Education and Training Foundation, for UTCs which are preparing for delivery or have started teaching T Levels. We also offer bespoke T Level support for UTCs, academy trusts, employers, and other stakeholders.

Trustee visits

Baker Dearing trustees conduct structured visits to UTCs throughout the year. This gives the trustees, who include former Ofsted inspectors and principals among their number, the opportunity to observe UTCs at close hand. The UTC’s leaders and governors can also promote, evidence, and reflect upon their school’s distinctive characteristics. They may also feed back on what additional support they may need from Baker Dearing.