VISIONS LEARNING TRUST UTC CONSULTATION REPORT 3rd April 2012
Visions Learning Trust UTC Consultation Report
Contents Executive Summary
1‐2
Introduction
4‐6
The Proposal
4
4‐6
Questionnaire Response Analysis
7‐18
Question by question analysis
7‐16
Additional Questions/Comments
17‐18
Consultation Meetings
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The Consultation Process
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Executive Summary The proposal is to open a new University Technical College (UTC) for 800 students aged 14‐19 and will specialise in engineering and construction. The UTC will combine traditional educational programmes with employer led technical training including Apprenticeships Pathways and will support the future needs of local employers by developing the high level of skills levels required in the engineering, advanced manufacturing and construction industries. Subject to a Funding Agreement being signed by the Secretary of State, the UTC will open in August 2013 at Victoria Mill, Weavers Triangle, Burnley. The Department of Education will fund the redevelopment of the site. The sponsors for the UTC are Training 2000 (lead), Liverpool John Moores University and University of Central Lancashire (educational sponsors) with Safran Aircelle, Chubb, Cobham Defence Communications Ltd, Fort Vale Engineering, Graham Engineering, Rolls‐Royce plc, Weston EU, Barnfield Construction Ltd, Enterprise Managed Services Ltd, North West Aerospace Alliance and National Skills Academy Nuclear as employer co‐sponsors. The consultation period on the UTC proposals ran from 19th January until 30th March 2012. The objective was to gather the views of stakeholders regarding the sponsor’s proposals for the new UTC. Consultation documents were extensively distributed via schools and online via the consultation website. The consultation brochure provided the opportunity to request a hard copy questionnaire from Training 2000 or to respond online via the consultation website www.visionslearningtrust.co.uk Views gathered over the course of the consultation will be used by the sponsors in planning the further development of UTC proposals and policies. The purpose of this summary is to provide the key messages received by Capita Symonds during the consultation process, including the main views gathered from questionnaire responses received, and views expressed at meetings and the open forum drop in session. The full analysis of questionnaire responses, and all associated comments are available further on in this report.
Overall views
In total 423 questionnaire responses were returned to Capita Symonds of which 0.94% were from education professionals, 1.65% were from employers, 13.7% were from learners, 38.06% were from members of the local community, 0.7% were from others (identity not provided) and 44.9% were from parent/carers. In addition to 423 questionnaires being received, 59 members of the public attended the open forum session on the 10th March 2012, 6 heads and chairs of governors attended the consultation session on 1st March 2012.
84.6% of respondents to the questionnaire gave a positive response to the question ‘To what extent do you support the intention that every learner that completes their studies at Vision 3
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Learning Trust secures either a further education or higher education place, an Apprenticeships or an employment opportunity (an industry relevant job)? Of these positive responses 62.1 % were either very much in favour and 22.5% were in favour to some extent. 8.7% gave a negative response to this question and the remaining 6.7% remaining neutral.
Main positive points expressed during the consultation
Responses demonstrated high levels of support for the UTC proposals, which suggests there is a very high level of community support going forwards.
Significant numbers of parents and learners reported they have an interest in the UTC, which might indicate a level of viability.
Respondents value the principle of providing communication and life skills support, especially around employability and interview skills, demonstrating a possible need, but also the appreciation from the target audience of the importance of this ‘added value’ element of the Trust ambition.
The principle of Apprenticeship Pathways is highly valued and respected by respondents, the use of the word ‘Apprenticeships’ clearly struck a cord of worth and status with the respondents, this might provide a key to future marketing for the UTC.
Main concerns expressed during the consultation
Respondents show a level of concern about the availability of jobs in engineering and construction, especially in the shorter term due to the recession, which may point to some short term marketing issues and a perception that has been addressed in the UTC marketing strategy. Some outlying areas have concerns over the difficulties and costs of travel to Burnley.
A significant minority revealed a low regard for the skills areas, believing them to be the reserve of those not able to progress to university, which highlights be a possible significant PR and marketing challenge. 4
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Some concerns expressed from Heads and Chairs of Governors about impact of 14‐19 proposals on roll numbers for other secondary schools within catchment area. Discussion at Head Teachers and Chairs of Governors consultation session addressed possible need for an overarching education strategy to be developed with increased need for engagement to take place with secondary schools within catchment area.
Summary There was a strong positive response to the proposals highlighted in the documentation and website information provided during this consultation process. Some concerns were expressed, however dissenting opinions were in the minority. In summary the consultation was an effective means of gaining the opinions of the identified stakeholders and indicates that there is majority support for the proposals. The UTC will respond to comments made by stakeholders during the consultation process within their marketing campaigns which will reinforce the positive elements about the UTC. The marketing strategy will be updated regularly to include reference to any major concerns/findings and if deemed appropriate will then be considered and acted upon.
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Introduction The Proposal The proposal is to open a new University Technical College (UTC) for 800 students aged 14‐19 that will specialise in engineering and construction. The UTC will combine traditional educational programmes with employer led technical training including Apprenticeship Pathways and will support the future needs of local employers by developing the high level of skills levels required in the engineering, advanced manufacturing and construction industries. Subject to a Funding Agreement being signed by the Secretary of State, the UTC will open in August 2013 at Victoria Mill, Weavers Triangle, Burnley. The Department of Education will fund the redevelopment of the site. The sponsors for the UTC are Training 2000 (lead), Liverpool John Moores University and University of Central Lancashire (educational sponsors) with Safran Aircelle, Chubb, Cobham Defence Communications Ltd, Fort Vale Engineering, Graham Engineering, Rolls‐Royce plc, Weston EU, Barnfield Construction Ltd, Enterprise Managed Services Ltd as employer co‐sponsors.
The Consultation Process The UTC consultation process covered by this report, ran from 19th January until 30th March 2012. The objective of this consultation was to gather views of the stakeholders on the proposals for the new UTC in order to inform the further development and the UTC proposals and policies. The consultation process included:
A brochure outlining proposals was distributed to 85 schools within the proposed UTC admissions catchment area with the intention of providing all Year 8 and Year 10 students with a copy of the brochure. Information regarding provision of questionnaires, additional brochures and access to consultation website (containing electronic versions of brochures and questionnaires) was provided within distributed documentation.
Two press releases were issued by Training 2000. The first to announce the commencement of the consultation period and the second to announce the dates of the open forum on the 10th March 2012.
Letters were sent to Heads and Chairs of Governors of 85 schools within the catchment area to inform them of UTC proposals, consultation dates, availability of consultation documentation and invitation to a Heads and Chair of Governors consultation session on the 1st March 2012. 6 representatives from 4 schools attended the session. 6
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Letters were sent to 9 schools within the UTC catchment area requesting consultation sessions with 2x Year 8 and 2x Year 10 learners in each school. 5 schools within the inner catchment area (5 mile radius from centre of Burnley) and 4 schools from outer catchment area (additional 10 mile radius from centre of Burnley) were chosen to participate. Sample included a CofE, Roman Catholic, voluntary aided, independent, schools with sixth form and an SEN school. 6 schools chose to participate in the consultation and questionnaires were used at sessions to gather views of 24 learners. 4 schools from the inner catchment area including a Roman Catholic and SEN school and 2 schools from the outer catchment area including a Roman Catholic school participated in the sessions.
Market research by means of questionnaires was implemented at supermarkets within 10 of 12 boroughs of the 15 mile catchment area of the UTC. 2 supermarkets declined to participate as timetable would not allow research to be complete within consultation timescales.
An informal drop in public forum took place on 10th March 2012 at Victoria Mill, Weavers Triangle. 59 members of the public attended the forum.
Letters sent to 12 LA’s within the catchment area for the UTC informing them of the consultation for the UTC and seeking their views.
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Questionnaire Responses Notes for Statistics featured in this report: In some cases total percentages for a question do not equal 100% due to rounding of numbers to one decimal place.
Number of total responses to each question may vary due to some paper questionnaires not being fully complete
Where appropriate, comments have been edited to correct spelling, to expand abbreviations and acronyms, or to remove the names of individuals
Question by Question Analysis Question 1 About You – Postcode Analysis
Note total does not add to full number of questionnaire respondents (423) as learners not requested to submit postcode information and some respondents did not disclose postcode information.
BB1 = 11 respondents BB2 = 31 respondents BB3 = 14 respondents BB4 = 30 respondents BB5 = 29 respondents BB6 = 3 respondents BB7 = 2 respondents BB8 = 17 respondents BB9 = 22 respondents BB10 = 23 respondents BB11 = 11 respondents 8
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BB12 = 3 respondents BB18 = 6 respondents BB20 = 1 respondent BL0= 4 respondents
About You – Postcode Analysis (cont’d) BL1 = 19 respondents BL2 = 9 respondents BL7 = 8 respondents BL8 = 9 respondents BL9 = 26 respondents BL10 = 1 respondent HX1 = 1 respondent HX7 = 3 respondents LA4 = 1 respondent M3 = 1 respondent M9 = 2 respondents M16 = 1 respondent M24 = 1 respondent M25 = 2 respondents M26 = 3 respondents M28 = 1 respondent M38 = 1 respondent M40 = 1 respondent M45 = 1 respondent 9
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OL2 = 2 respondents OL10 = 2 respondents OL11 = 12 respondents OL12 = 15 respondents OL13 = 8 respondents
About You – Postcode Analysis (cont’d) OL14= 25 respondents OL15 = 5 respondents OL16= 5 respondents
Learners – School based Consultation Sessions 4 learners (2x Year 8 and 2x Year 10) each from Turton High School, Unity College, Crosshills Special School, Blessed Trinity RC School, Pendle Vale and Todmorden High School participated in the consultation.
Question 2 I am
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Question 3 To what extent do you support: The intention to ensure every learner that completes their studies at Visions Learning Trust UTC secures either a further of higher education place, an Apprenticeships or an employment opportunity (an industry relevant job)?
Further comments for Question 3:
It is a good idea to provide another way of learning whilst providing opportunities for jobs prior to leaving school.
I would give it a 4 as there aren’t many jobs around now.
I think this is a really good idea that will benefit the British economy.
Providing employment opportunities is a really good idea. Having a job or providing higher education security is really important to people at this time.
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Concerned about students changing their minds about construction and engineering. Some may drop out and this will be a waste of money.
This is a very good idea. Skilled apprentices are needed.
Where is help going to come from to help learners apply for jobs if they want to.
Old Apprenticeships give people lots of skills, not just vocational ones.
Question 4 To what extent do you support: Visions Learning Trust UTC having an employer and university led curriculum for learning, life and employability.
Further Comments for Question 4:
I think this is definitely a good idea – kids today can’t be confident talking to an adult or behaving confidently.
Definitley – especially as there are no jobs around. 12
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Life skills always help you to come over better at an interview.
I hope the UTC helps young people with communication skills – these are lacking in today’s youth.
Too much text speak, Facebook and Twitter – children need to learn to communicate properly.
Students need to be able to use their education this doesn’t happen sometimes as some topics don’t lead to proper jobs.
I think this is extremely important.
Crucial as some leave school with loads of GCSE’s and no social skills
It would be great for the future and helping me find the job that I want.
Question 5 To what extent do you support The specialisms of Engineering and Construction
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Further Comments for Question 5:
I think the specialist areas of engineering and construction are very important for the future growth of this country.
Engineering is a very good job there are too many people involved in business.
Engineering and construction are crucial areas for how we live our lives today.
I would consider this to be a 3 because it is quite important but not very.
Should get local kids off computers and doing something practical and fun.
Yes if construction related they could get students doing something to benefit Burnley.
Community needs a boost for things other than drink or drugs.
Yes we should be working together to improve things.
Question 6 To what extent do you support: Promoting and developing community regeneration
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Further Comments for Question 6:
Because bringing the local workforce back is critical to success of future Britain.
I think it is what is needed in the UK at the moment.
Important but is all focus going to be on Burnley? This is Rochdale and we need community regeneration here.
I think it is a good idea to encourage people to stay in the area with jobs.
Hopefully this will prevent youngsters moving out of Burnley to find jobs.
I think this is a number 5 because if people have jobs they won’t be on the streets getting into trouble.
Question 7
Note Question 7 and Question 8 have decreased response due to market research time restrictions in supermarkets. It was felt that length of time to explain admissions policy and Funding Agreement process would not yield satisfactory response and limit number of responses. Market Research respondents were advised to log onto the consultation website for more info on these aspects of the project and respond using the online questionnaire if they wished to.
Question 7 was omitted from learner consultation sessions due to time restrictions and complexity of question. 3 online and 9 postal respondents views have been taken into consideration. Information about the Learner Recruitment Policy (Admissions) was made available within the consultation brochures and website which online and postal respondents will have had access to. Learners have responded to Question 8 as funding agreement process explained at sessions. 15
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To what extent do you support
The proposed Learner Recruitment (Admissions) arrangements for Visions Learning Trust UTC
Further Comments for Question 7:
I think the UTC should increase the catchment area to 20 miles.
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Question 8
Note 3 online, 9 postal and 24 learner views obtained for Question 8. See Question 7 for rationale.
To what extent do you support The Secretary of State entering into a funding agreement with Visions Learning Trust to open a UTC in Burnley.
Further Comments for Question 8:
I agree with the aims but not the method. The existing educational educational resources should be used otherwise they will be jeopardised by a serious loss of students.
I don’t agree with this at all. There are plenty of schools already and the government will have more important things to spend their money on.
Yes its a really good idea for people who want to get involved in engineering and construction.
I feel it is a good idea due to hands on learning and being able to understand jobs better.
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I think this will hugely benefit some people who get bored with how children learn in a traditional classroom. However, it may hold back some children who are more academically driven.
Yes because Burnley is a good place to build something engineering driven because there are lots of engineering firms nearby looking for people to employ.
Additional Question for Learners Only To what extent do you support The UTC will have a project led (hands on) curriculum instead of traditional classroom learning.
Further Comments for Additional Learners Question:
I like doing practical work it engages me more.
Children like to learn in different ways rather than sat in a classroom therefore I think some children would learn more. 18
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It would help you understand the job better.
I see this as a positive because a lot of youngsters like doing more practical than classroom based learning.
You often learn more when you do things yourself.
I feel most people learn more when doing something practical than listening to a teacher.
This is a lot better for visual learners.
Additional Questions and Comments
When is the school going to open?
What are the arrangements to recruit teaching staff?
Is there any doubt that the funding agreement will be signed?
I sent for the questionnaire from TRAINING 2000 but no one sent me the consultation document.
What are you intending to do with Slater Terrace?
What is going to happen to the red brick building across the car park?
What’s the background and what are the plans please?
BSF have invested £250m and £?m for the new Burnley College. This should be the basis for an integrated system of education across the Burnley area to provide urgently needed skills and vocational opportunities for young people from which future economies will grow.
Good luck! This is what the youth of Burnley need to give them a good work ethic and hope for full time employment.
I think that this type of learning is an absolute winner for everyone, especially the young, and not least the employers that need these people. 19
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I trust that the exterior of the building will retain its Victorian industrial character and that there will be no inappropriate additions. This is important to retain the character of the conservation area.
It is important that Apprenticeships in engineering, construction and manufacturing are encouraged and supported in the Burnley area‐ the Weavers Triangle is an ideal location.
I don’t really think this is a good idea, schools are already doing what they need to be doing and pupils are getting into universities and further education without any help.
Overall I think that it would be beneficial to open the UTC. It gives people a chance to learn in ways that are more suited to their needs and the job security at the end is a big bonus.
Somebody should have come up with this idea years ago!
I think it is a really good idea because of the economy – there isn’t that many jobs anymore and this project creates them and so could create a future for me and many other people.
I am very happy with the UTC ideas. I hope it all goes well for you!
How are Special Educational Needs going to be factored into your curriculum? Your presentation makes no mention of them?
What KPI’s will the UTC be judged on? Will 5 A*‐C GCSE’s still be the target as with mainstream education provision?
Will there be any scope for additional offerings with other schools providing the ability to ‘buy into’ provision?
Will the UTC progress as a given?
How will the UTC work with Burnley Education Trust?
What is the relationship between the UTC, Burnley College and the UTC?
Due to falling rolls and staff numbers –why should other schools support the proposals for the UTC?
Increased pastoral care will be required if students decide they do not want to progress down an engineering/construction pathway anymore. How will pastoral care be delivered?
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Consultation Meetings In this process, only one formal consultation session with Heads and Chairs of Governors was held on the 1st March 2012. However, an informal drop in forum took place on the 10th March 2012 which attracted 59 members of the general public. Informal sessions were also held with learners at 6 schools within the UTC catchment area during the consultation period. Training 2000 conducted half termly briefings with Burnley Borough Council and met with LCC Admissions team at which LCC offered advice on admissions criteria and suggested that if sufficient demand for the UTC is demonstrated they would consider organising a co‐ ordinated scheme for transition at 14+ in the future.
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Annex A Consultation Documents
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