Consultation Notice: Proposed Changes to Admission Arrangements (2028/29)
Admissions Consultation: Proposed Policy Changes for 2028/29
Consultation Period: 20 October 2026 – 1 December 2026
Status: Open for Public Representation
In accordance with the Department for Education’s School Admissions Code, University Technical College Norfolk (UTCN) is launching a statutory 6-week public consultation on proposed changes to our admission arrangements for entry in September 2028.
Summary of Proposed Changes
UTCN is committed to addressing the severe under representation of women in the UK’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. To support regional skill needs and foster gender balance in our specialist technical curriculum, we are proposing the following amendment to our oversubscription criteria:
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Introduction of a 50/50 Gender Allocation Criteria: In the event that UTCN receives more applications than available places, remaining places after statutory priorities (such as Looked After Children and EHCPs) will be allocated on a 50/50 split between female and male applicants across our catchment bands.
Rationale for the Proposal
Women currently account for approximately 29% of the UK’s total STEM workforce, with representation even lower in core engineering and digital technology sectors. Despite extensive positive outreach—including female-led mentoring, targeted STEM workshops, and dedicated open events—enrolment numbers across the UTC network historically reflect this national gender imbalance.
To create a balanced learning environment and meet regional industry demand, UTCN aims to take proactive steps at entry. This approach aligns with existing practice elsewhere in the UTC network, such as UTC Portsmouth, whose determined admissions policy incorporates a 50/50 oversubscription allocation between female and male applicants.
How to Review the Draft Policy & Submit Feedback
We welcome feedback and representations from current and prospective parents, local primary and secondary schools, local authorities, and members of the local community.
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View the Full Policy: Download the full draft UTCN Proposed Admissions Policy 2028/29 and Equality Impact Assessment (PDF).
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Submit Feedback Online: Complete our short Online Consultation Feedback Form.
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Submit via Email or Post: Send written responses directly to lauren.gilroysingh@utcncst.org or write to:
Admissions Consultation
University Technical College Norfolk
Old Hall Road, Norwich, NR4 6FF
Closing Date for Responses: 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 1 December 2026.
All representations will be carefully collated and presented to the UTCN Board of Trustees to review before final admission arrangements are determined by 28 February 2027.