We’re not selective, but we’re not for everyone. The overwhelming majority of students choose to move to Lincoln UTC because they are motivated to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.  

Our challenging technical, practical and academic curriculum is not an easy option. We have a very mature, calm and purposeful learning environment, and require students to be fully committed to our approach. 

We are very proud of the behaviour of our students. Ofsted notes that pupils’ behaviour in lessons and around the college campus is impeccable. The mutual trust which exists between staff and pupils is remarkable, such that pupils are permitted to use college facilities during social time, sometimes without direct supervision. 

We prepare our students for a seamless transition into the workplace and for this reason we have a longer working day than most schools. Our working day begins early, at 8.45am, when students are in their lessons ready to learn. 

By not having a more traditional school uniform, we are demonstrating the high value we place on individual pride, accountability, and professionalism. Many of our students and staff choose to wear a bow tie every Friday. This tradition stems from our sixth form students who coined the phrase bow-tie-Friday several years ago. 

Although our students do not receive homework, they are proactive and responsible learners. If a particular concept or topic is not fully understood, they engage with their teachers to remove any knowledge gaps. Our students also have remote access to curriculum subjects through Google Classroom, where material is readily available to recap information, as well as for further reading. 

We do not operate a school bell. Our students manage their time effectively and independently, as they would at university or in employment, and arrive at lessons on time and ready to learn. Students and staff work collaboratively at every point to develop our ‘Ideal Students Traits’. These key traits are central to everything that we do at the UTC.

The Ideal Student 

Ideal students are curious. They want to make sense of the world around them. They have the capacity for awe, wonder and amazement. They want to understand everything.

They know what is important to them and ‘what makes them tick’. They arrive at all lessons motivated and committed. They are active participants in lessons. They do not rely on others (teachers) to provide their motivation.

They have high levels of personal organisation. They plan carefully and make good use of their time, hitting all deadlines.

They are independent and do not regard themselves as hollow vessels waiting to be filled with the information necessary to pass their exams. They do not wait to be spoon fed. They want to find things out for themselves.  

They work well with others, listen to others and appreciate that they can learn most effectively when learning is a collaborative activity. They treat others with respect at all times.

They are analytical in their thinking ... able to construct a convincing argument for their views and opinions. They always explain their thinking and justify their reasoning.

They always try to connect their learning to work done before and work that they know is coming. They try to link all new learning … to real life contexts, to their own life experience and to academic work in other subjects.

They are creative thinkers who are willing to ‘think outside the box’. They are happy to take risks and try new things.

They set ambitious targets for themselves and are willing to do whatever it takes to realise these goals. They routinely review their progress towards these targets. They ask for feedback as part of this process.

They aren’t afraid to get things wrong. They are resilient … always ready to ‘get back on the horse’ and try again. They learn from their mistakes, correct all their work and respond positively to constructive criticism. They persevere when things are tough and don’t give up quickly or easily.