Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) has been named as the leading state secondary school in Hull and the East Riding for attendance, as well as being named in the top three schools across the wider Yorkshire region.
New figures published by the Department for Education for the academic year 2023-24 have revealed Hull’s employer-led school has the highest attendance rate in Hull and the East Riding, with an impressive 96.14 per cent, compared to the national average of 91.1 per cent.
The school, in Kingston Square, Hull city centre, is also on track for an even higher attendance rate in the 2024-25 academic year, currently averaging rates above 97 per cent.
The school’s unique, employer-led curriculum is a key contributor to the exceptionally high attendance rates, blending core GCSE and A-Level studies with a range of technical and professional qualifications.
During their studies, students have the opportunity to take the theory they learn in the classroom and apply it to projects designed and delivered by the school’s Employer Partners.
Students also enjoy the adult-style education experience, which mirrors workplace practices and prepares them for stepping into employment.
From the time they join the UTC at the start of Year 10, students are treated as young professionals, with the school having exceptionally high standards of behaviour and a longer working week. Students are on first-name terms with staff and are given greater independence and responsibility, allowing them to take ownership of their own learning and develop a greater sense of maturity.
High quality teaching and support staff work closely with students to ensure each individual is making progress and is recognised for their achievements, increasing their motivation and a desire to learn.
While academic excellence is a top priority, the school also provides high standards of care, guidance and emotional support, to ensure students’ needs are met in all aspects of their school life.
The school’s large student support team includes the Vice Principal, three Senior Assistant Principals, Pastoral Mentors, an Attendance Manager, a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), Teaching Assistants, a Safeguarding Co-ordinator, three Deputy Safeguarding Co-ordinators and representatives from external agencies, who are always on hand to help answer questions and concerns, and if needed, put measures in place to enable students to reach their full potential.
The school’s Attendance Manager, Natasha Whitehead, said: “Our ethos of positivity and celebrating achievement is a big part of why our students enjoy coming to school and are motivated to have high attendance.
“Our Professional Values and Behaviour Policy places a strong emphasis on positively reinforcing good behaviour and rewarding success, which incentivises students to work hard.
“Students feel motivated because teachers provide regular feedback and recognise their achievements. We find that young people are more engaged and eager to come to school when they can see the progress they are making.
“We are also passionate about building strong relationships with our students’ parents and carers. By connecting with parents through real conversations and hosting regular parents’ evenings, rather than relying on impersonal letters or emails, we ensure that parents are actively involved and work with us to support their child’s school attendance.”
A recent report published by the Department for Education showed just how important attendance is for student attainment.
The report revealed that students who attended school daily in Year 11 were almost twice as likely to achieve a Grade 5 in their English and Maths GCSEs, compared to those who only attended 90 to 95 per cent of the time. Just 10 days of absence reduced the likelihood of getting a strong pass by around 50 per cent.
RDUTC’s exceptional attendance certainly supports this correlation, with the UTC topping the local school league tables for the percentage of students achieving Grade 5 and higher in both GCSE Maths and English.
Ron Dearing UTC Vice Principal Mark Ollerenshaw said: “There is a direct correlation between attendance and attainment and students are much more likely to achieve their best results if they regularly attend school.
“There is just no substitute for being in a classroom with an experienced teacher. Being able to ask questions and gain feedback is invaluable for a student’s development.
“Understanding the importance of having a high attendance is also a key employment skill. In the workplace, employers expect their team members to be punctual and reliable, and instilling this into students as early as possible is extremely beneficial when they step into the world of work.”
Mark added: “We’re really proud to have been named the leading local school and among the top three schools in Yorkshire for attendance, but we’re not resting on our laurels and we’re continually striving to do even better!
“Our strong attendance rates are a testament to our students who are motivated to achieve their personal best, as well as our dedicated pastoral team and teaching and support staff, who work closely with our young people to support them and make Ron Dearing a place where everyone can succeed.” To see where Ron Dearing UTC ranked in the list of Yorkshire state secondary schools, visit: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/education/13-top-state-secondary-schools-attendance-yorkshire-new-absence-figures-5047897