Having opened in September 2014 with state-of-the-art facilities originally for Key Stage 4 and 5, The Leigh UTC provides an exciting, innovative, business-led, problem-solving curriculum, enabling students to achieve relevant academic and work-related qualifications and transferable skills for future destinations. The most unique feature of The Leigh UTC is its business ethos that are emphasised by our STEM rich curriculum and relationships with local and national employers.
In September 2017, following the request of the Department for Education due to our continued success, The Leigh UTC marked history by expanding its student intake to incorporate Key Stage 3 – the first UTC in England to do this. Furthermore, being the first UTC to have IB World School Status has enabled us to develop strong international links. Having IB Status has enabled us to further develop the mid-years programme (MYP) for our Key Stage 3 students and thus providing a joined-up pathway from ages 11 to 19. The overarching mission of the Inspiration Academy is to develop curious, academically-skilled young people who aspire to be principled, compassionate learners. Our curriculum strives to create students who are self-motivated, competent, willing to take risks and lifelong learners.
Values and vision: The Leigh UTC’s vision is to produce the next generation of world class engineers, inspiring them throughout their learning and providing a rich and varied employer-led curriculum to engage all students. The secondary school works to provide an inspiring and vibrant training environment where students feel motivated to learn and excited for their future careers. The Leigh UTC wants to ensure that all students achieve to the highest of their capabilities and continue to have high aspirations for all that they do – with the most able having the opportunity to continue their training at a top university. The Dartford school nurtures students as respectful, honest and polite individuals and works to develop their confidence and self-esteem so that they leave fully ready for the challenges and of a modern and ever-changing society. The Leigh UTC focuses on creating a strong working relationship between parents, carers and the community in order to maximise the opportunities for students. Along with a vocational curriculum, the secondary school encourages students to get involved with extra-curricular activities outside the classroom to broaden their experiences, offering a wide range of sports clubs.
The Leigh UTC Ofsted grade (February 2017): Good with outstanding leadership and personal, behaviour and welfare
"Leigh Academies Trust, governors and leaders provide strong direction and leadership. In partnership with staff and employers, they are well on the road to establishing the school as a centre of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) excellence.
The vision for a UTC that provides quality pathways into engineering and technical industries has been realised. The school is well on the way to becoming a beacon of excellence.
The principal’s passion and commitment to the UTC vision is infectious. With his leadership team, he has created a model working environment for pupils and staff alike. One staff member summed up, commenting: ‘I have never felt more respected and fairly treated in a workplace as I do here. There is no them and us, we are one team working together for the best for our students.’ Pupils value highly the UTC ethos and the rich opportunities it provides.
The promotion of pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding. A rich range of opportunities prepares pupils very well for life in modern Britain. Pupils, including the disadvantaged and those who have special educational needs and/or disabilities, catch up from any previous underachievement and make strong and often rapid progress in a range of subjects and disciplines."
(Ofsted)
"The Leigh UTC is a deliberate and bespoke institution, we believe the opportunities we provide for all stakeholders are in many respects unparalleled. Through our ethos we instill and maintain traditional values of behaviour whilst evolving our practice with the changing needs of our environment, both locally and internationally. We promote authenticity as individuals but by working in collaboration we can pioneer." - Principal Kevin Watson