The service dealing with this matter is:
Access Team
Commissioning,
Partnership and Transformation,
Access Team, 3rd Floor,
Quadrant West,
Cobalt Business Park,
NE27 0BY
Website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk
Phone: 0191 643 8724
Email: school.admissions@northtyneside.gov.uk
September 2025
Dear parent or carer,
Schools that admit pupils at the beginning of Year 10
You are receiving this letter because it is a legal requirement that all local authorities write to parents and carers of all pupils in Year 9 at the beginning of the autumn term to tell them about schools that admit pupils at Year 10. This is to ensure that parents and carers are well informed about all of the options available for children of this age.
This does not mean that you have to move your child to another school - for the great majority of children the school they are already attending will remain the most appropriate place for them to continue their education. If you take no action your child will continue at their current school.
However, for some young people, the curriculum offer at a University Technical College (UTC) from Year 10 may provide a suitable alternative.
UTCs are schools for young people aged 14 to 19 that are sponsored by a university and local employers. They were set up by the government to encourage young people to study technical subjects and sciences and to give them the opportunity to learn the skills that employers are looking for. UTCs admit students in Year 10 and Year 12. They offer GCSEs alongside technical qualifications at Key Stage 4 and A Levels alongside technical qualifications at Key Stage 5.
To help inform your decision on whether other provision offered at a UTC is the right choice for your child, you should consider the curriculum offered and speak to your current school’s careers leader to discuss their options and opportunities for progression. All schools must provide impartial careers advice guidance for all students in Year 8-13 to inspire young people to fulfil their potential and ensure they are aware of all opportunities open to them.
Below is further information about North East Futures UTC which is located in Newcastle and the contact details for other UTCs in the region. If you are interested in making an application for your child, please contact them using the details below for more information:
North East Futures (NEF) UTC has specialisms in Healthcare Science and Digital Technology. At North East Futures, students in Year 10 and 11 study these specialisms along with the core subjects of English Language and Literature, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science. A range of option choices are also available, e.g. Art, Geography, History or Business.
North East Futures sponsors include the NHS, Sage, Ubisoft, Accenture and University of Sunderland. The sponsors are represented on the governing body and work closely with the school and the students.
North East Futures UTC
Principal: Mr Dan Sydes
Website: www.nef.tynecoast.academy
Telephone: 0191 917 9888
Email: info@nefuturesutc.co.uk
It is located in Newcastle city centre (NE1 3AS) with good transport links by bus, metro and rail.
North East Futures UTC is holding an OPEN EVENT: 9th October 2025. Tickets available via Ticket Source
There will also be another Open Day on 10th March 2026. Any interested parents can call North East Futures (NEF) directly for further information also a tour can be arranged with prior arrangement from NEF.
Below is a further list of the other schools within the North East, which you may also wish to look into and consider whether your child would want to apply for a place for September 2026.
UTC South Durham - Specialism: Advanced Manufacturing/Engineering -
In considering whether to make an application, you may also wish to make use of the National Careers
Service, which offers impartial advice and guidance on careers, skills and the labour market for anyone aged 13+. Careers information, advice and guidance is crucial to help people to develop the skills and experience that they need to achieve a fulfilling and rewarding career. The website
National Careers Service includes a wealth of information about different careers and learning options, as well as details on how to speak to an adviser via web chat and the helpline.
If you decide that you would like to apply for a place at one of these options for your child, you will need to complete an application form by applying to the relevant UTC directly via their website (see details above).
Yours sincerely
Access Team, School Admissions
North Tyneside Council