EDUCATION Secretary Nicky Morgan has met with staff and students at UTC Reading after it became the first institution of its type to gain an 'outstanding' Ofsted.

The visit on Thursday saw the Conservative frontbencher talk with those currently studying at the site as well as some of the industry partners who help to steer graduates towards relevant work placements.

Touring the Crescent Road school Ms Morgan was shown around the UTC's specialist classrooms including workshops for computer science and engineering courses.

She said: "What is clear from visiting today is how engaged the students are in their learning and how aware they are of the opportunities around them. This is part of what makes this an outstanding UTC. 

"The role of the UTC’s industry partners in shaping the educational offer is exactly what we want to see. These partners were not only involved in getting the UTC launched but are now critical in running projects and providing mentoring and work placements.

"I was keen to discover how the students found out about the UTC because, as a new model, we have more work to do to promote it to others. At the same time we want to raise awareness and understanding amongst pupils and parents of the value of a technical education and the opportunities this provides to progress onto apprenticeships, as well as onto university."

Year 13 student Jordi Clancy got the chance to tell Ms Morgan his reasons for choosing UTC rather than another sixth form or college.

He said: "I had already done a year of A-levels at school when I heard about UTC Reading. It offered a new way of learning which suited me and an opportunity to specialise in engineering. The students and staff here work collaboratively, which makes it feel more like a business environment."

Industry partners who work closely with UTC Reading including Microsoft, Cisco, Peter Brett Associates and Fujitsu also sent representatives to meet with the education leader.

Joanne Harper, Principal of UTC Reading, said: "The visit was a great opportunity for our students to explain exactly why they chose the UTC and what they are getting out of this unique learning experience. It was also an opportunity to highlight the community of industry and academic partners which are integral to the educational offer.

"We know that the government is keen to encourage more young people to consider apprenticeships as a viable route into employment. Last year nearly 47 per cent of our Year 13 students went on to secure apprenticeships, the vast majority with our industry partners. The UTC model provides young people with the academic and technical skills required to meet the needs of businesses and to give them the edge over their peers."