The University of Southampton has announced its support for a new college opening in the city that is aiming to increase the range of high-quality education options for young people.
The new University Technical College (UTC) in Southampton will create 600 spaces for 14 to 19-year-olds across A-Levels and T-Levels. It joins several other colleges in the region already working in partnership with the University of Southampton, offering more life chances for young people to receive an outstanding educational experience.
Professor Anna Barney, Associate Vice-President (Education) at the University of Southampton, said: "We are delighted to support adding another unique educational offer in Southampton that will increase opportunities for pupils and help economic growth in our region.
"We firmly believe that close cooperation between schools and colleges, local employers and our university is the best way to ensure positive educational outcomes for local pupils. We are closely involved with plans for sixth form development across the city and look forward to exploring how this new initiative may be integrated to enhance current educational provision."
The new UTC Southampton will deliver a "broad and ambitious" academic curriculum to create highly skilled students who are ready for both university and the workplace. It will allow more young people in Southampton to engage with a specialist STEM environment and will bolster the number of individuals trained for high-end technical jobs in the region.
Professor Jane Falkingham, Vice-President for Engagement and International at the University of Southampton, said: "Underpinning our support is a commitment to be active members in developing and supporting the new school, contributing to the resources and leadership required to support both the operation and enhancement of education provision in the UTC."
Through the UTC, the University hopes it will positively affect the employability and life chances of nearby pupils and to support the skills needs of local and national employers.
