Schools & Education · Swindon
UTC Swindon to expand with new Year 9 intake starting in 2027
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The specialist STEM academy will begin admitting 13-year-olds from September 2027 to offer a five-year pathway through to sixth form.
UTC Swindon has announced a major shift in its admissions policy, confirming that the school will introduce a Year 9 cohort starting in September 2027. This expansion marks a significant change for the facility, which focuses on engineering, digital and cyber security education, allowing students to begin their specialist studies at the age of 13.
By introducing the new entry point, the school aims to provide pupils with a five-year educational pathway that runs through to sixth form. The change is intended to give students additional time to develop their academic foundations before transitioning into GCSE programmes, while benefiting from the school's technical curriculum at an earlier stage.
Hollie Taylor, headteacher at UTC Swindon, stated that the expansion is designed to help young people discover their interests and build confidence in their abilities earlier in their secondary education. She noted that the extra year will provide students with more opportunities to explore the school's core pillars of engineering, digital and cyber security, while engaging in enrichment activities and industry-focused projects.
The school is known for its partnerships with local and national employers, which facilitate mentoring, work placements and industry challenges. Under the new structure, Year 9 students will gain earlier access to these career-focused experiences, which the academy believes will better prepare them for their future paths.
The announcement follows a period of improvement for the school, which was recently recognised by FFT as one of the top 10 per cent most improved secondary schools in England for attendance during the 2025-26 academic year.
To support families planning for this transition, UTC Swindon will host an open event on 26 November 2026. This session will provide specific information for those interested in the new Year 9 intake. Further details regarding the school's programmes and future events are available on the official website at www.utcswindon.co.uk.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original