Brighton backers of proposed college cheered by consultation results

The Brighton backers of a proposed university technical college have taken heart from the results of a six-week consultation published today (Monday 24 March).

Brighton University and the Aldridge Foundation are two of the organisations behind plans to open Newhaven University Technical College (UTC) in September next year.

Their plans were approved by the coalition government this month.

The UTC would focus on the knowledge and skills needed to work in the growing marine engineering and environmental technology sectors in the region.

Parents, students, school and college teachers, representative bodies and community group leaders have signalled support for the planned college for 14 to 19-year-olds.

More than 460 people and organisations responded to the consultation which took place last November and December.

The results showed

• There is strong support for the UTC, with 85 per cent of all respondents considering it to be a good or a really good idea
• There is a strong belief that the UTC will help to increase attainment and achievement among young people, with 94 per cent overall supporting this statement
• There is an overwhelming belief that the UTC will be different from what’s available at other schools and colleges locally, with 91 per cent feeling that this would be a good thing

In addition to the core curriculum, including maths, English, sciences and French, interviewees were asked to prioritise what else the college should offer.

The top suggestions included employer-based activities such as work experience with local firms, technical skills and clear ways to move into an apprenticeship or on to further qualifications.

The sponsors consulted the public across the catchment area, which takes in Brighton and Hove, Lewes, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, Worthing, Eastbourne and Bexhill.

Aldridge Foundation chief executive Honor Wilson-Fletcher said: “From the very beginning people have been generous in their support for our vision and with their time.

“As well as the very positive feedback from parents, students, teachers and community leaders, we were really encouraged to see that there was so much interest in giving practical support to the UTC.

“At what is still an early stage of the college’s development, to have over 130 people offer their commitment in a number of areas, from mentoring a student to providing work experience and even offering jobs to young people who have studied at the UTC, is amazing.

“So as sponsors we were really delighted with the results of the consultation.”

The Aldridge Foundation already runs the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) in Falmer and the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) in Mile Oak.

It was set up by the millionaire businessman and former Portslade schoolboy Sir Rod Aldridge.

As well as the Aldridge Foundation and Brighton University, the UTC sponsors include Lewes District Council and Veolia Environmental Services.

Lewes District Council leader Councillor Rob Blackman said: “It is great to see such local enthusiasm for the university technical college.

“It sits at the heart of our vision for Newhaven and will equip our young people to take up the opportunities to come as the town develops into a hub for marine and environmental industries through the recently announced City Deal, the Rampion wind farm base and other initiatives.”

The UTC is planned to be based at the grade II listed Marine workshops at Railway Quay, just two minutes from Newhaven Town Station.

Students will be able to enter in Year 10 and Year 12 and will study for GCSEs and A levels alongside technical qualifications such as BTECs, NVQs and the Technical Baccalaureate.

Studies will be based around real-life projects set by local employers and using high-tech specialist kit.

The vision is to give students a head start in the jobs market or in applying to university or for apprenticeships.

A full summary of the research is on the consultation page at www.newhavenutc.co.uk.