Proposed Discovery UTC

Discovery UTC is proposed to open in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in September 2013 serving Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham. The target is to open with 180 young people in both years 10 and 12, growing to 720 on roll in 2014, making it the largest UTC in the country.

Discovery UTC will equip young people between the ages of 14 and 19 with the confidence, academic knowledge and practical and interpersonal skills to thrive in a challenging and competitive world. There will be an extended school day with an industrially-based, technologically advanced curriculum focused on STEM disciplines. With highly personalised learning programmes, learning will be as much in real world industrial placements and high tech projects as formal classroom learning. Mixed age "family groups" and project teams will learn in a purpose-designed environment more akin to a research facility in Silicon Valley than a city comprehensive.

The school will be closely aligned to the work of the lead sponsor, the Newcastle College Group, and co-sponsors Newcastle University and the Centre for Life, as well as a range of leading business partners. It will provide clear progression into apprenticeships, work, Further and Higher Education. The most able learners will fast track through programmes, whilst those who need longer to progress will be given the time to do so.

The sponsors wish to engage an exceptional Principal Designate early in the life of the UTC. They will lead the development phase, head the organisation once open in September 2013 and work with the Trust to support other UTC projects planned for the future. An outstanding track record of education leadership will be essential as will a passion for enabling young people to learn.

We are looking for an inspirational and successful leader who can:

• Provide strong, principled and effective leadership, forging a clear sense of purpose and inspiring students, staff, parents, sponsors and stakeholders;
• Establish high expectations and deliver outstanding outcomes for all students;
• Win the trust of other educational institutions to support partnership working for the good of young people in the region;
• Demonstrate professional credibility with relevant employers, industry stakeholders and professional bodies;
• Display genuine innovation, not only in management and leadership, but in curriculum design, teaching and learning and the use of technology;
• Represent and promote the college effectively; and
• Recruit, retain and nurture a diverse staffing structure comprised of highly motivated, committed people with a passion for technology and innovation and the very highest level professional skills and experience.

The Trust will have high expectations of the Principal, but the rewards will be great. The successful candidate will operate at the cutting edge of education in this country, contributing not only to the educational achievement and aspiration of the students, but also to economic regeneration in the region and country.

To discover more about this exceptional opportunity please visit www.hays.co.uk/jobs/discoveryutc or contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership for a confidential discussion or information on how to apply.

E: martin.blair@hays.com
T: 07736791138

Closing date: 09.00, 20th February
Short listing: 24th February
Interviews: 28th and 29th February
Commence in post: September 2012

The UTC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and
expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.