Silverstone University Technical College gets off to a speedy start

The brand new Silverstone University Technical College (UTC) opened its doors to the first group of students on Monday 16 September 2013.

Staff welcomed approximately 200 young people to its first ever Year 10 and Year 12 classes after seeing huge demand from across the UK from young people wishing to specialise in High Performance Engineering or Business and Technical Events Management, at the heart of British Motor Racing based at the Silverstone Circuit itself.

The Silverstone UTC, led by Tresham College of Further and Higher Education and partnered with the University of Northampton and Silverstone Circuit, is one of 12 UTCs opening this September and offers young people aged 14 to 19 the opportunity to specialise in High Performance Engineering or Business and Technical Events Management, at the internationally renowned facility.

Neil Patterson, Principal of the Silverstone UTC said: “The Silverstone UTC is a fantastic new school that will be providing the opportunity for young people to specialise for their dream careers through studying a mix of academic study that is heavily supported by practical industrial experience which we are able to provide through some excellent partnerships with some of the leading companies in High Performance Engineering and Business & Technical Events Management including Grandstand Group and McLaren.”

John Sinclair, Deputy Dean of the School of Science & Technology at the University of Northampton commented: “Silverstone UTC will provide tremendous opportunities for students who have an absolute passion for motorsport and engineering and events management.

“The University Technical Colleges provide an alternative to the established school model. The way the curriculum is delivered is very hands on and contextualised to service industry-based problems. Silverstone UTC will work with employers, both local and national, to identify real world challenges that can then be used to teach students the concepts required – for both GCSE and other qualifications up to 16, and a more diverse range of post-16 education options.”

Stuart Wesselby, Principal at Tresham College of Further and Higher Education commented: “This is a very exciting time for us all. The Silverstone UTC is a partnership where Tresham College, the University of Northampton and Silverstone Circuits will combine their expertise in each field and ensure that young people in Northamptonshire have the choice to train and gain the best opportunities for work once they complete their studies whether this is into employment or further study at university.”

Find out more about Silverstone UTC​