South Devon UTC Students Explore Future Careers During Inspiring Careers and Wellbeing Week  Students at South Devon UTC have explored a wide range of career opportunities during a packed ‘Careers and Wellbeing Week’. The programme combined hands-on experiences, employer encounters and educational visits, giving students the opportunity to discover future career pathways while developing a greater understanding of their own wellbeing. Health and social care students took part in an extensive programme of activities, meeting professionals from across the NHS and experiencing first-hand the breadth of careers available within the healthcare sector. The week began with visits from the NHS podiatry team, including one of their apprentices, who introduced students to careers within podiatry and demonstrated specialist equipment such as sonograms, insoles and mobility aids.  Students also met a speech and language therapist, who explained how professionals support people living with conditions including stroke and Parkinson's disease. Through practical communication exercises, students gained an appreciation of the challenges faced by people with speech and language difficulties. Students then welcomed audiologists and orthoptists, who showcased careers in hearing and eye health through interactive demonstrations. Using specialist equipment, students explored the ear canal with otoscopes and experienced simulations of different visual impairments to better understand the challenges faced by patients. Radiographer Stacey Woodruff introduced students to careers in diagnostic imaging and encouraged them to explore the NHS's 350 different career pathways through an interactive careers quiz. The learning continued beyond the classroom with a visit to Exeter Hospice, where students gained valuable insight into compassionate careers in nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling, volunteer coordination and palliative care. Speaking with healthcare professionals helped students understand the importance of person-centred care, emotional resilience and teamwork when supporting patients and families through complex health journeys.  Students also visited the Horizon Centre, where they explored the role of speech and language therapy and experienced how emerging technologies, including virtual reality, are transforming patient care, rehabilitation and staff training across the NHS. Meanwhile, year 10 students visited Paignton Zoo as part of the school's wellbeing programme. Alongside enjoying the natural environment, students learned about the zoo's conservation work and heard directly from zookeepers about careers in animal care, conservation and opportunities for future work experience. This year 18 engineering students at the UTC will be awarded a Level1 BAKER AWARD and 100% of year 10 students had work experience in either heath or engineering. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: "Careers and Wellbeing Week is an important opportunity for our students to explore the many pathways available to them while recognising the importance of looking after their own wellbeing. From meeting healthcare professionals and experiencing cutting-edge NHS technology to learning about conservation and animal care, our students have gained invaluable insights into careers they may never have previously considered. We are incredibly grateful to all the organisations and professionals who gave their time to inspire our young people." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "One of the greatest gifts we can give young people is the opportunity to experience the world beyond the classroom. By working alongside employers and professionals, students gain a deeper understanding of the skills, values and qualities needed to succeed in different careers. These experiences not only raise aspirations but also help students make informed decisions about their futures, while reinforcing the importance of wellbeing as they prepare for the next stage of their education and careers."        

South Devon UTC Year 11 Students Celebrate End of GCSEs at Leavers' Prom      Year 11 students at South Devon UTC have celebrated the end of their GCSE journey in style at their Leavers' Prom, held at Dainton Golf Club. Students arrived in an array of impressive vehicles before coming together one final time as a year group to mark the end of an important chapter in their education. The evening featured a celebration ceremony where every student graduated with a commemorative certificate. A range of awards were also presented, recognising both outstanding achievements and memorable moments from the past five years, with a mix of heartfelt and light-hearted accolades bringing plenty of laughter to the evening. Students and staff enjoyed a buffet of hot and cold food before taking part in a classic game of bingo, with the celebrations continuing on the dance floor as the evening ended with a disco. The event provided an opportunity for students to reflect on everything they have achieved during their time at South Devon UTC, celebrate lasting friendships and thank the staff who have supported them throughout their secondary education. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: "Our year 11 Prom is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an incredible group of young people and everything they have achieved. It was fantastic to see our students enjoying themselves together one last time before they embark on the next stage of their journey. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and we wish them every success and happiness for the future." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "Leavers' Prom is a chance to celebrate not only academic achievements, but the personal growth and friendships that have been built along the way. It is wonderful to see our year 11 students marking the end of this chapter together and reflecting on everything they have accomplished. On behalf of everyone at Education South West, I would like to congratulate them all and wish them every success as they take their next exciting steps.”

Students Inspired by Live Music and Conversation on Mental Health at South Devon UTC   Students at South Devon UTC were given a unique and inspiring experience this term as emerging folk and indie artist Luke McAuley visited the college to perform a live set and speak openly about his journey with mental health. The event saw students come together to enjoy live music before taking part in a thoughtful and engaging question and answer session. Luke shared his personal experiences, offering an honest insight into the challenges he has faced and how music has played a role in his wellbeing. The session provided students with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health, resilience and self-expression, while also hearing first-hand how creative outlets can support wellbeing. The visit reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting student wellbeing alongside academic and technical education, ensuring young people are equipped with the confidence and awareness to navigate challenges both in and beyond school. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to hear from Luke, not only as a musician but as someone willing to speak openly and honestly about mental health. Events like this help to break down stigma and encourage important conversations among young people. Our students engaged brilliantly with both the performance and the discussion, asking thoughtful questions and showing real maturity in how they approached the topic. We are grateful to Luke for sharing his story and to The Prime Agency for helping to make this event possible.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Creating opportunities like this for our students is incredibly important. Hearing directly from someone like Luke, who can combine creative talent with an honest conversation about mental health, makes a real and lasting impact. At Education South West, we are committed to ensuring our young people are not only academically prepared, but also supported in developing resilience, self-awareness and confidence. Experiences like this help to equip them with the understanding and skills they need to look after their wellbeing and support others.”  

Kier Construction Welcomes Newton Abbot Students for Inspiring Workplace Experience   Engineering students from South Devon UTC enjoyed a valuable and engaging workplace experience recently as they visited Kier Construction in Lifton. The visit offered students a rare opportunity to see engineering in action at a live water‑infrastructure project, where a new pump station for the River Lyd is currently under construction. During the visit, twelve students took part in a full site tour, gaining a close-up look at the scale, complexity and precision involved in major construction work. They also took part in a hands-on activity linked to real engineering challenges, helping them connect classroom learning with practical application. The day continued with a careers talk from members of the Kier team, who shared insights into the wide range of roles within the construction and engineering sectors. Students rounded off the visit with a Q&A session, asking thoughtful questions about pathways into the industry, apprenticeships and future opportunities. Kier Construction is one of the UK’s leading infrastructure and construction companies, delivering major projects across transport, utilities, education and public services. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and community partnership, Kier plays a key role in shaping essential infrastructure nationwide.  Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: “Experiences like this are invaluable, they help students see how engineering shapes the world around them. It was fantastic to watch their confidence grow as they engaged with professionals on site.” Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: “Providing students with direct access to industry is at the heart of what we do at the UTC. Opportunities like this ignite ambition, broaden horizons and help young people understand the incredible careers that engineering can offer. We are grateful to Kier Construction for giving our students such an inspiring and memorable experience.”

Prom 2026

South Devon UTC Headteacher Recognised in National Teaching Awards   Claire Plumb, headteacher at South Devon UTC has been named a Bronze Winner in the Headteacher of the Year in a Secondary School category at the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. Founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam, the awards celebrate excellence in education and recognise the vital role that teachers and school leaders play in transforming the lives of young people. Claire has been recognised for her exceptional leadership in driving sustained transformation at South Devon UTC, one of the most complex secondary settings in the South West. When the college faced possible closure following the pandemic, Claire led a bold recovery strategy focused on employability, inclusion and high expectations. Since 2020, student numbers have grown nine-fold, from just 10 year 10 students to more than 90 expected in September 2026. This growth reflects renewed confidence in the college’s specialist offer and the strength of Claire’s leadership.  Claire’s approach is rooted in removing barriers. From introducing phonics for older students with low reading ages, to guaranteeing work experience for every pupil and embedding wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum, her leadership ensures that all students are supported to succeed. Ofsted has recognised the impact of this work, noting the difference the UTC makes to students’ lives, with students themselves speaking openly about how the college has transformed their confidence, aspirations and future pathways. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: "I am incredibly proud of our students and staff, and this recognition really belongs to them. At South Devon UTC, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, whatever their starting point. It is a privilege to lead a team so committed to breaking down barriers and helping students build confidence, gain qualifications and move on to meaningful futures." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "Claire’s leadership is nothing short of transformational. She has taken a college facing significant challenges and created a thriving, purposeful environment where all young people can succeed. Her unwavering commitment to inclusion, employability and high expectations has ensured that every student leaves with real opportunities for the future. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and the difference she continues to make."    

Our next open event is on Wednesday 17th June starting at 2.15pm   This is a wonderful chance to visit our college, meet our staff and students, and experience the learning environment first hand.   Please click on the link below to book your place. https://www.southdevonutc.org.uk/open-days-and-events/   At South Devon UTC we offer: • An industry focused curriculum designed with employers in Engineering and Health Care alongside core curriculum subjects. • Hands on practical experience using professional equipment, with opportunities for work placements and employer mentoring. • Clear career pathways that prepare students for apprenticeships, university, or direct employment • A supportive and focused environment, with students joining us in either Year 10 or Year 12.   Come along - we look forward to meeting you!

South Devon UTC Student Completes Final Ten Tors challenge After Four-Year Achievement Journey   South Devon UTC is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of one of its students, Ed Taplin, who has successfully completed the Ten Tors 55-mile event, marking the culmination of a remarkable four-year journey.  Ed’s participation in the challenging Ten Tors expedition has seen him cover more than 180 miles in total, completing all three official distances of the event while developing resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills. Over the past four years, Ed’s Ten Tors journey includes:   2023 (age 14): Completed the 35-mile event with Teign School in a finish time of 15:50 2024 (age 15): Completed the 45-mile event with Teign School in a finish time of 16:10 2025 (age 16): Volunteered in training support before stepping in to complete a second 45-mile team, improving his time to 10:38 2026: Completed the 55-mile event with Sea Moor Explore in a finish time of 14:13  Throughout this period, Ed has trained and walked alongside Teign School and Sea Moor Explore while studying at South Devon UTC, balancing academic commitments with one of the UK’s most demanding outdoor challenges. Staff at South Devon UTC have praised Ed’s dedication and perseverance over the course of his Ten Tors journey, highlighting the wider value of such experiences in developing confident and capable young people. The Ten Tors challenge is widely recognised as one of the UK’s most demanding youth expeditions, testing navigation, endurance, and teamwork across Dartmoor’s challenging terrain. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: “We are incredibly proud of Ed’s achievement in completing the Ten Tors 55-mile challenge, which represents the culmination of four years of dedication, resilience, and personal growth. His commitment to training, teamwork, and perseverance across increasingly demanding expeditions is exceptional. Experiences like Ten Tors develop far more than physical endurance. They build confidence, leadership, and determination, all of which are qualities we value highly at South Devon UTC. Ed’s journey is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through consistency, hard work, and a willingness to take on a challenge.” Ed Taplin said: “By never giving up when facing these events, repeatedly attempting to understand the complexity of the moorland, and constantly adapting to the ever-changing weather, I have found these challenges in no way easy. However, by consistently working together with new people, I found that from completing the Ten Tors, I have been able to walk away with key skills such as teamwork, leadership, commitment, and resilience. These multiple events, and many training experiences have truly shaped the person I am today.”        

South Devon UTC Commended by Ofsted for Preparing Students for the World of Work   Students and staff at South Devon UTC are celebrating after being graded ‘Expected Standard’ by Ofsted in all areas. The areas judged by Ofsted are, inclusion, curriculum and teaching, achievement, attendance and behaviour, personal development and wellbeing and leadership and governance. Ofsted has recently changed the way it reports on a school inspection with the aim of providing a "fairer and more detailed picture" of the school rather than a one-word label. The old "Good" and "Requires Improvement" labels are gone. There’s a new five-point grading scale. The ‘expected standard’ is just that – it means the school is doing everything that it should be doing. It’s a high standard, to make sure children are receiving everything they need and deserve. In their report inspectors described the school as calm and orderly and pupils as motivated to learn and succeed. They also praised the school’s leaders for establishing a kind and caring culture, where pupils feel known as individuals. The report also states that pupils are supported to lead healthy lives, make sensible choices and form positive relationships with staff and peers. Inspectors also highlighted the focus on future employability at the UTC saying that leaders ensure that pupils regularly hear directly from relevant employers, including the military and NHS, for instance and that as a result pupils are well prepared to make informed decisions about their next steps. Other comments in the report included: Pupils deepen their knowledge and skills over time in their specialist qualifications. They recall their learning well and can apply their skills with confidence. Leaders ensure that teachers have the subject knowledge to implement the curriculum effectively. For instance, they have the expertise that they need to teach the different industry-relevant pathways that the school offers. Leaders ensure that staff receive training on how to recognise and meet pupils’ needs. For instance, staff apply suitable approaches and strategies to provide for pupils with different needs. Leaders, trustees and local governors share an ambitious vision for pupils. In the unique context of the school, leaders and staff enable pupils to make educational progress, regardless of the barriers that they face. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: "We are really pleased that the inspection recognises the calm, purposeful environment we have built and the strong relationships at the heart of our college. We work with a cohort of young people who often arrive having faced barriers in education, so it is particularly meaningful to see their progress, confidence and ambition reflected in this report. I am incredibly proud of our staff and students for the way they work together every day to create a supportive, aspirational community where everyone can succeed." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "This outcome reflects the dedication and expertise of the team at South Devon UTC. The report rightly highlights the college’s inclusive approach and its clear focus on preparing students for their next steps. Claire and her team should be very proud of the culture they have created."    

Newton Abbot Students Explore Future Opportunities at Bristol University & Apprenticeship Fair Sixth form students from South Devon UTC had an inspiring day at the UK University & Apprenticeship Fair held at Bristol Ashton Gate Stadium this month. The event brought together a wide range of university exhibitors, including renowned Russell Group and modern institutions, alongside apprenticeship providers, giving students the chance to explore a variety of post-18 options. In addition to the exhibition, students attended expert-led seminars covering key topics such as UCAS personal statements, student finance, degree apprenticeships, and the benefits of apprenticeship pathways. The fair was aimed at year 12 students starting to plan their next steps in education and careers, and also offered guidance for any undecided year 13 students. Students returned from the event motivated and better informed, with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them. Claire Plumb, Headteacher at South Devon UTC, said: "It was fantastic to see our students engaging with university and apprenticeship providers and taking their first steps towards making informed decisions about their future. The fair provided invaluable insight and inspiration for our sixth formers as they prepare for life beyond the UTC." Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said: "It’s inspiring to see our students actively exploring the wide range of opportunities available after school. Events like the Bristol University & Apprenticeship Fair help young people make informed choices, build confidence, and envision a future full of possibilities."