The first A-level students at a new college were celebrating their results today (Thursday 17 August).
UTC@harbourside opened just two years ago in Newhaven, with students from 14 to 19 years old coming from a wide catchment area that includes Brighton and Hove.
The University Technical College’s director of curriculum and standards Bernie Flint said: “I’d like to congratulate all of our students and teachers today on our first set of results.”
Head boy Kyle Brackenfield’s grades includes a distinction* in engineering and an A grade in electronics.
The UTC, which specialises in science, maths, technology and engineering qualifications, has a focus on marine and environmental engineering, and while studying Kyle was also an RNLI volunteer.
Kyle, has secured an apprenticeship at CNC Engineering. He said: “I am really excited to start an apprenticeship in Computer Numerically Controlled Engineering which has been created especially for me. I also want to start my own business in 3D printing.”
Jack Sawyer, who’s engineering qualifications included a distinction and a distinction*, said: “I am going on to study an apprenticeship in machine maintenance engineering at Xerox, something studying here has really helped me get.”
Other students celebrating today include Tom Plain, who got a double distinction* in engineering and an A grade in electronics, Danielle Vences, who achieved a double distinction* in engineering, and Freya Bowie, who celebrated a triple distinction* in engineering.
Frazer Last collected his results today before starting a career in the armed forces. He said: “I am going to join the Navy. I had never thought about it before but decided to apply after the Field Gun Challenge the UTC participated in.
“The skills I have learnt have allowed me to get this opportunity to travel the world.”
UTC@harbourside is based in an award-winning grade II listed campus in Railway Quay, Newhaven.
Its university sponsor is Brighton University and it is also backed by Lewes District Council, Aldridge Education and local employers including Veolia UK.
Mr Flint said: “It is great to see so many students following their passion for science and engineering to university or into jobs with leading employers.
“Their achievements in the subjects they love is reflected in the fact that nearly two thirds of all our vocational qualification passes were top distinction or distinction star grades.”
