New school in Hull rated 'outstanding' after first inspection

Unusually Ofsted were unable to identify a single area for improvement at Ron Dearing UTC, which opened less than three years ago.

Inspectors stated: "Pupils attending the school are fortunate to receive an exceptional quality of education."

The employer-led school was judged outstanding for quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and management and sixth form provision.

The UTC is believed to be only the sixth in England to be rated as outstanding under the Government's new Education Inspection Framework, which was introduced last year.

It specialises in digital technology, creative digital and digital engineering for students aged 14 to 19.

The school’s founding partners are the University of Hull and some of the area's leading employers, KCOM, RB, Siemens Gamesa, Smith + Nephew and Spencer Group.

The inspectors said the school, had a "unique" and "superbly designed" curriculum, which involved pupils regularly working to solve real problems alongside industry professionals.

It said teachers were passionate about their subjects and know the "strengths and weaknesses of every pupil they teach".

Chair of governors Charlie Spencer, who is executive chairman of engineering firm Spencer Group, said it was an "absolutely tremendous achievement".

He said the report's findings demonstrated to power of bringing together teachers and employers to develop young people with the practical skills and confidence to thrive in the world of work.

Principal Sarah Pashley said: "Ofsted raised the bar when it introduced its new Education Inspection Framework, which made it even more difficult to achieve an outstanding rating.

"This makes the achievement even sweeter.”