I am pleased to announce we are working very hard to deliver the UK education system with its first University Technical College in Forensic Science.

1. University Technical
College
A NATIONAL SKILLS ACADEMY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

2. Housekeeping
Fire Alarm
First Aid
No Smoking
Facilities
Tea/Coffee

3. University Technical
College
A NATIONAL SKILLS ACADEMY IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

4. What is a UTC?
University Technical Colleges are a new concept
in education. They offer 14-18 year olds the
opportunity to take a highly regarded, full time,
technically-oriented course of study.
The students combine hand and mind to learn
in a very practical way, integrating national
curriculum requirements with the technical
and vocational elements.
It offers full time courses which combine
practical and academic studies.
The UTC ethos and curriculum is heavily
influenced by local and national employers
who also provide support and work experience
for students.
Employers are involved from the start in
shaping the curriculum and supporting the
program of study.
They are equipped to the highest standard,
sponsored by a university and offer clear
progression routes into higher education or
further learning in work.
They are sub-regional, taking students from a
wide geographical area. This reduces negative
impact for any one local school in terms of
student roll.

5. Why we need them.
Age 11 is too early to choose a subject
path to follow and 16 is too late.
Students who are 13 are making the
choice with options but very few
understand the pathways they should
be taking to step into the Forensic
Science sector.
Students who know what they want to
do can often become bored at school
and so underachieve by the time they
are 16.

6. Why are UTC’s important?
University Technical Colleges specialise
in subjects that require technical and
modern equipment, for example,
engineering, product design, health
sciences, construction, and land and
environmental services.
However they all teach business skills
and the use of ICT. The chosen
specialism reflects the university's
areas of excellence and the needs of
employers within the industry.
A fundamental principle of University
Technical Colleges is that they do not
judge students on their past
performance. Students are given new
opportunities and new ways of
learning which allow them to achieve
to a higher level than they may have
done before.

7. How are they different?
The colleges are currently developed under
the Academy programme so the university
does not have to provide the funds required to
build a new college or refurbish an existing
school or contribute towards the running cost.
The University uses its knowledge and
expertise to support the college to, for
example, support curriculum development,
assistant in the professional development of
teachers, and guide suitably qualified students
to foundation and full degrees. The sponsor
appoints the majority of the college's
governors and key members of staff.
"I believe that practical, vocational education
is vital for our future prosperity and much
greater value should be placed on this
educational pathway and those young people
who pursue this form of education. University
Technical Colleges will provide high quality
vocational education and training and will
meet the aspirations of many of our young
people."
Sir Mike Tomlinson

8. What do they do?
A UTC has a specialist subject area (in
our case Forensic Science).
Many have two specialisms e.g.
engineering and advanced
manufacturing.
Students still complete their GCSEs in
at least English, maths and science
combined with a modern foreign
language, a humanities subject and
practical and technical qualifications
which are recognised by employers
and universities.
With extended hours of learning, more
emphasis can be placed on vocational
Students can either go onto to a higher
skills in addition to traditional academic level apprenticeship in employment or
studies.
onto a university. The UTC will help
them decide which is the best route
for them.

9. Forensic Education

10. Why a UTC in Forensic Science
Students are leaving school and attending
We want to:
University with the misconception that a degree
Improve understanding of Forensic Sciences.
in Forensic Science will ensure they are
propelled into the industry.
Increase participation in STEM.
As we know this is seldom the case with high
Show learners of all abilities they can achieve.
numbers of students qualifying but few job
Encourage both the logistical and judicial
openings currently available.
chains to gain further understanding of the
Most Universities and Colleges offer a version of industry by completing qualifications and
a qualification in Forensic Science, many off
apprenticeships that will enhance their
multiple qualifications.
professions, and the sector, encouraging
growth and innovation from the very
beginning of their studies .

11. Become a Sponsor
We’d love to hear from you if you’d like to join us in
addressing the need for good technical and practical
education. Could your company help by:
Shaping the curriculum
Providing work experience or apprentice opportunities
Asking our students to work with you on a ‘live’ project
Mentoring students throughout their time with us
Offering specialist facilities within your business that could
inform and inspire our students to pursue a career or
further study in Forensic Science
Assisting in the appointment of staff with the required
specialist knowledge and experience in this industry sector
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, please click
here to get in touch.
"I’m absolutely clear that every child should
have the option of beginning study for a craft
or trade from the age of 14, but that this
should be complemented by a base of core
academic knowledge.
And the new generation of University
Technical Colleges will help secure this route.
UTCs are a fantastic innovation"
The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of
State for Education

12. What’s in it for the Employer?
Employers play a major part in UTC’s.
They help plan what students are going to
learn and ensure that the qualifications
students gain are what employers require.
"The UK CES Employer Skills Survey confirms that
organisations find it hard to recruit the skilled people
they need. It also claims skills shortages are getting
worse and may be holding back the UK's economic
recovery. Such deficiencies have persisted over time
in some sectors and occupations making the need for
home grown talent greater than ever.
They also meet the students on work
placements in order to get to know them.
This underlines the importance of new opportunities
at 14+, led and supported by employers.
Employers are encouraged to get to know
students thus enhancing the student /
employer relationship.
University Technical Colleges are leading the way by
offering high-quality science, engineering and
technical education alongside core subjects such as
English and maths."
Building the workforce of the future, with the
training and qualifications you need them to
have.
Lord Baker, Chairman of Baker Dearing Educational
Trust

13. Vision
The National Skills Academy in Forensic Science,
otherwise known as Ashton under Lyne UTC, will be
an innovative, dynamic, employment-led
environment which will prepare young people to
become highly skilled employees of the future
through the integration of business with education.

14. Mission
Build productive relationships in the Forensic Science
industry to create relevant and integrated learning
experiences
Develop professional and motivated students and staff who
will proactively represent the values and ethos of the UTC
Enable our students to achieve their full potential and be
successful in life, learning and their future careers

15. Values
Exceeding expectations
Can do attitude
Mutual respect in all that we do
Integrity, honest and openness
Valuing difference
Goal driven one team approach

16. Governance
The Governing Body of the UTC will act as
the critical friend of the Principal and senior
leadership team, providing support and
challenge. Governors have a range of duties
and powers and a general responsibility for
the conduct of the UTC with a view to
promoting high standards of educational
achievement.
•providing a strategic view of the UTC by establishing
a vision and setting the purpose and aims of the
school
Responsibilities include but are not limited
to:
•making sure the curriculum is balanced and broadly
based
•ensuring the quality of educational provision
•setting targets for pupil achievement
•challenging and monitoring the performance of the
academy
•ensuring good financial health and probity
•appointing staff including the Principal
•reviewing staff performance and pay

17. Governance
In fulfilling these responsibilities an
effective governing body will:
• help the UTC to set high standards by planning for its future and
setting targets for improvement;
• keep the pressure up on school improvement;
• be a critical friend to the UTC, offering support and advice;
• help the UTC respond to the needs of parents and the
community;
• make the UTC accountable to the public for what it does;
• work with the UTC on planning, developing policies and keeping
these under review;
• exercise its responsibilities and powers in partnership with the
Principal and staff;
• not intervene in the day-to-day management of the UTC unless
there are weaknesses, when it then has a duty to take action.

18. Funding
Initially £10m is available from capital funds to
develop the UTC.
Additionally £1m is available to equip it.
Employers and Sponsors are encouraged to
support specialist equipment requirements
where possible, but it is not essential.
Ongoing funding of University Technical
Colleges come under the academies
programme, from where they obtain funding
after receiving DfE approval.

19. Partners?
We are looking for a firm commitment from you
today to sign up and register your organisations
interest in this UTC.
We require a University, and Employers within
the sector. The employers should come from the
whole supply chain, not just those within
Forensic Providers.
Young people need to learn business skills which
you all can deliver with the UTC.
We are hoping a leading local College will
enhance our application with their involvement.
With the involvement of law enforcement we
aim to change the landscape for professionals
within their scientific units by increasing learning
before application, including apprenticeships.
We have commitments of support
from:
Tameside Metropolitan Borough
Council (TMBC)
Complete Forensics C.I.C.
Ethos Forensics
The Phoenix Free School Oldham

20. Any Questions?
If you have questions you
are free to ask them now
or during the coffee break
to follow.

21. Thank You
Please use the forms on
the side table to register
your interest and / or
involvement with us.
Alternatively please visit
www.completeforensics.org/utcregister
The brochure you have is available from the
same web page. This interactive version will
be updated as more organisations join with
us.
It will also highlight our progress through
the application procedure.