An innovative, careers-focused school for students aged 13-19 in Derby and the surrounding area.
We are a University Technical College offering specialist courses designed with employers in the exciting areas of Engineering and Health & Life Sciences. These are all regional, national and international growth areas that will offer strong career opportunities in the future. Students can join us in either Year 9 or Year 12 and study a combination of GCSEs/A Levels and Technical Qualifications.
05/05/2026
We’re looking for a teacher of Maths!
Are you an engaging, resilient educator ready to inspire 13–19-year-olds in a cutting-edge, employer-led environment? Join us and help drive forward a truly pioneering UTC.
🕒 Permanent, full time or part time considered
📅 Closing Date: 12th May 2026
💵 Salary: £32,916 - £51,046
Apply online: https://www.utcderby.org.uk/about/vacancies/
01/05/2026
Yesterday, we were visited by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden MP, who toured our facilities and met with students and our Principal.
He was accompanied by our local MP, Baggy Shanker, and Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson. They were also joined by our Trust’s Executive Principal and CEO, Nick Crew, and Baker Dearing CEO, Kate Ambrosi.
The visit provided a great opportunity to showcase what we offer to students across Derby and our commitment to delivering outstanding technical education.
Both Shanker and Atkinson are key members of the UTC MP Technical Education Policy Group, which Mr Shanker chairs.
Fantastic to hear UTC Derby mentioned in the House of Commons last week!
Thank you to Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson for highlighting our students success and raising the need to expand UTC provision.
You can watch below.
The Labour MP told the Leader of the House Sir Alan Campbell MP: "The 14 to 18-year-olds who study at university technical colleges are three or four times more likely than the national average to secure an apprenticeship. The UTC in Derby is oversubscribed — it got 450 applications for just 100 places — and demand outstrips the number of places in other UTCs too.
"Many of our industries are concerned about skills shortages, so might we have a debate on how to expand UTC provision, or enable UTCs to team up with other schools, so that more young people can benefit from the skills that UTCs teach and from those strong routes into apprenticeships?"
Sir Alan responded: My hon. Friend raises an important matter. We recently announced 19 new technical excellence colleges in England, on top of the 10 confirmed for the construction sector last year. We are expanding the youth guarantee to create further opportunities for young people.
"However, as she points out, we need to go further and we are committed to doing so. I encourage her to apply for a Westminster Hall debate to explore how we can expand the opportunity to study at university technical colleges. That is, as she points out, so important for our young people and local communities."
23/03/2026
A huge well done to all our students and staff for supporting Comic Relief on Friday! 👏
Thanks to their generosity we’ve raised over £300 through our non-uniform day and cake sale.
19/03/2026
Shape the future of STEM by training to teach at UTC Derby Pride Park!
We’re working with Baker Dearing and UTC SCITT to prepare the next generation of brilliant, confident teachers who are ready to make an impact from day one.
Training with UTC SCITT means joining a community that understands industry, values innovation, and places your development at the heart of everything we do.
📍 Train with us at UTC Derby Pride Park, JCB Academy and Crewe UTC in:
🔬 Biology, Chemistry & Physics
➗ Maths
💼 Business
📖 English
🛠 Design & Technology
🌍 Geography
Why UTC SCITT?
💷 Earn while you learn: You could receive up to £30,000 while you train.
💻 Technology that empowers you: Enjoy a free laptop to use throughout your course.
🎓 Expert mentorship:In partnership with Teach First, you will benefit from world class guidance and dedicated support throughout your training
👉 Register your interest today:
https://tinyurl.com/579a7emd
18/03/2026
Perfect weather yesterday for our CANSAT teams to launch their rockets!
Students and staff from UTC took part in the CANSAT Regional Competition Launch Day at BMFA Buckminster yesterday.
The UK CanSat Competition gives students hands on experience in designing and building a mini satellite inside the volume of a soft drink can, complete with power, sensors, communications and a parachute for its rocket launched descent. Teams carry out a primary mission to measure air pressure and temperature, alongside a secondary mission of their own design, mirroring real satellite challenges while exploring creative scientific or technical goals.
Good luck to all our teams!
17/03/2026
Merlin Motorsports Race to a Top‑Five Finish at Regional Finals
Back in February, our Merlin Motorsports STEM Racing team travelled to Harper Adams University to compete in the Regional Finals, an incredible event bringing together 37 outstanding teams from across the country.
The standard was sky‑high, with cars flying down the track at breakneck speed, eye‑catching pit displays, and confident verbal presentations. After a year of hard work, the Merlin Motorsports team showed real growth, both as a group and as individuals. Judges praised their portfolios and team ethos, awarding particularly strong marks for Brand Identity, Project Management, and Pit Display & Presentation.
The results are now in, and while we didn’t take home a named award, we’re incredibly proud to have secured 5th place in our category, a fantastic achievement in such a competitive field.
With the support of our sponsors, the team has built a strong legacy for future UTC Derby students to build on in the years ahead.
24/02/2026
Our students are shaping the future of the AV industry!
Hear Principal Lee Kirkwood on the AV in the Wild podcast with Matt Nimmons, sharing insights into our students’ experience at the ISE Conference and Fast Forward Friday.
From hands‑on tech demonstrations to conversations with industry innovators, our learners gained real insight into the cutting‑edge world of AV and digital technologies and they represented UTC Derby Pride Park brilliantly.
A huge thank you to Matt and CEDIA for giving our students this fantastic opportunity.
Fast Forward Friday: Inspiring the Next-Generation of AV Talent In this episode of AV in the Wild, hosts Iffat and Neil dive into one of the most exciting parts of ISE 2026: Fast Forward Friday - a designated day designed...
23/02/2026
What a fantastic achievement for our U16 Girls! 👏
After finishing 4th in their league at Leesbrook, the girls progressed to the Plate competition (with 1st and 2nd from both Leesbrook and John Port competing for the Cup).
They played three tough matches, winning two and drawing one — remaining unbeaten all day! 💪
Their determination, teamwork and resilience paid off as they were crowned Under 16 Girls Plate Winners 🏆
We are incredibly proud of their effort and attitude throughout!
12/02/2026
A huge well done to our students! 👏
We’re incredibly proud to share that we have been recognised with a national Attendance Award by FFT, placing us in the Top 25% of similar secondary schools across England for the 2025/26 Autumn term.
This achievement reflects the commitment of our students, the support of our families, and the dedication of our staff in creating a culture where attendance matters and every day counts.
| Monday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 4pm |
| Friday | 8am - 3pm |