UTC Portsmouth
UTC Portsmouth is a government-funded STEM specialist college serving 14-19 year-olds in Portsmouth, UK, with GCSEs, A Levels, T Levels in engineering and digital production, and 315-hour industry placements through 34 employer partners including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Royal Navy.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersPortsmouth, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What UTC Portsmouth does
UTC Portsmouth is a government-funded University Technical College (UTC) located in Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom, operating under the Baker Dearing Educational Trust. It is the region's only STEM specialist college, serving students aged 14-19 through Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form on a non-selective basis. The college specialises in mechanical and electrical engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital production, offering a unified curriculum that combines GCSEs, A Levels, T Levels, and engineering certificates.
Academic delivery centres on T Levels in Engineering & Manufacturing and Digital Production, Design and Development — each equivalent to three A Levels with a mandatory 315-hour industry placement — alongside a GCSE programme that includes triple science, two engineering certificates, and optional subjects. Technology infrastructure is a Google Workspace-based cloud learning environment supported by CAD and 3D printing capabilities and engineering workshop facilities built to employer specifications. Supplementary programmes include Project Pipeline (six-week employer-sponsored problem-solving), an Enrichment Programme covering student-led STEM clubs, a Training Programme delivering Crest awards and Google Garage certifications, and a Women in STEM Mentoring Scheme connecting female students with industry professionals.
Revenue is derived entirely from public education funding; the institution charges no tuition fees. Student recruitment is event-driven through open events, virtual tours, school outreach programmes (engaging over 18,000 children annually), and direct applications managed in-house. UTC Portsmouth maintains 34 Employer Partners organised across executive (Airbus, University of Portsmouth, QinetiQ, Portsmouth City Council, Royal Navy, Lockheed Martin), primary (BAE Systems, DSTL, IBM, NHS Portsmouth Hospitals University Trust, Eaton Aerospace, Cytiva, Waterman Aspen, Safran, Griffon Marine, and others), and associate (L3Harris, Carnival, Solent University) tiers. The November 2025 Ofsted inspection awarded six Strong standards and one Exceptional standard for Personal Development and Wellbeing.
UTC Portsmouth firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UTC Portsmouth
- Legal name
- UTC Portsmouth
- Website
- https://utcportsmouth.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- UTC Portsmouth is a government-funded STEM specialist college serving 14-19 year-olds in Portsmouth, UK, with GCSEs, A Levels, T Levels in engineering and digital production, and 315-hour industry placements through 34 employer partners including Airbus, BAE Systems, and Royal Navy.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UTC Portsmouth industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Secondary Education
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ)
Keywords
Where UTC Portsmouth is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portsmouth
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
UTC Portsmouth business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Public Education Funding: As a government-funded UTC, UTC Portsmouth receives public funding for education services. The college is non-selective and admits students from the start of Key Stage 4 (aged 14) through to the end of Sixth Form (aged 19).
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels5 records
UTC Portsmouth product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UTC Portsmouth is a government-funded STEM specialist college providing academic and technical education for students aged 14-19 through GCSE programmes (including triple science and engineering certificates), A Levels, and T Levels in Engineering & Manufacturing and Digital Production, Design and Development. Curriculum is co-designed with 34 Employer Partners and enhanced by the Project Pipeline (real-world employer challenges), Enrichment Programme, Training Programme, and Women in STEM Mentoring Scheme.
Product overview
UTC Portsmouth is the region's only STEM specialist college offering a unified educational programme for students aged 14-19. The core academic offerings include T Levels in Engineering & Manufacturing and Digital Production Design Development, GCSE programmes with triple science and engineering certificates, and A Level qualifications. These are integrated with specialist curriculum elements including Project Pipeline (industry-sponsored real-world projects), Enrichment Programme (extracurricular STEM activities), and Training Programme (professional skills including Crest awards and certifications). The Women in STEM Mentoring Scheme provides additional support for female students. All programmes are enhanced by partnerships with 34 Employer Partners including Airbus, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, and Royal Navy.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- T Level in Engineering & Manufacturing A two-year technical qualification equivalent to three A Levels, combining classroom learning with a 315-hour industry placement. Students study engineering design, manufacturing, and control systems with hands-on experience in specialist workshops.
- T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development A two-year technical qualification equivalent to three A Levels, combining classroom learning with a 315-hour industry placement. Students develop skills in digital production, software development, and design with hands-on industry experience.
- GCSE Programme GCSE qualifications including triple science, two engineering certificates (each equivalent to a GCSE), and optional subjects including GCSE Statistics, Further Maths, Computer Science, Geography, and OCR Cambridge National Certificate in Engineering Programmable Systems.
- A Level Programme A Level qualifications offered alongside engineering study programmes, with strong performance in Engineering, Maths, and English. Students can combine A Levels with technical engineering qualifications.
- Project Pipeline A six-week programme where students work in small groups on real-world problems set by Employer Partners. Students investigate, design solutions and present findings directly to employers, providing direct industry exposure and work experience.
- Enrichment Programme After-timetable activities including chess, forensic science, rugby, astronomy, illustration, cosmetic chemistry, and student-led sessions such as rocket club and British sign language. Develops personal skills and the STEM habits of communication, teamwork, creative problem solving, resilience, responsibility and curiosity.
- Training Programme Professional skills development including Crest award (silver and gold), Open University courses, Google Garage certifications, and Employer Partner-supported training through Project Pipeline.
- Women in STEM Mentoring Scheme Mentorship programme connecting female students in Years 12 and 13 with female professionals across the Employer Partner network, providing guidance, industry insights, and role models to support women in STEM careers.
Quantifiable outcome
- 82% GCSE grade 4+ in English and Maths; 57% strong pass (grade 5+)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use UTC Portsmouth
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
UTC Portsmouth technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature2 records
UTC Portsmouth partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered executive, primary and associate.
- AirbusexecutiveExecutive Employer Partner. Airbus supports UTC Portsmouth through curriculum design, provides workshops and careers support, sponsors awards (Chemistry Award), hosts work experience, and participates in T Level placements. Students visit Airbus facilities and company represents one of the prestigious apprenticeship destinations for leavers.
- University of PortsmouthexecutiveExecutive Employer Partner. University partnership provides academic credibility and pathways for students. The university hosts taster days for Physics, Biology, Computing and Computer Science. Supports curriculum development and participates in careers fairs.
- QinetiQexecutiveExecutive Employer Partner. QinetiQ hosts visits to Portsdown Technology Park, provides training presentations and tours, sponsors STEM Habit awards (Teamwork, Creative Problem Solving, Curiosity), and participates in Project Pipeline with real industry challenges.
- Portsmouth City CouncilexecutiveExecutive Employer Partner and local government supporter. Provides strategic support for college operations and regional STEM education initiatives.
- Royal NavyexecutiveExecutive Employer Partner. Royal Navy hosts Annual Awards Evening at HMS Nelson, provides virtual reality engineering challenges, sponsors awards (Geography Award, English Award, Responsibility Award), offers apprenticeships, and supports Project Pipeline. Vice Admiral Paul Beattie (Second Sea Lord) delivered opening address at 2025 Awards Evening.
- Lockheed MartinexecutiveExecutive Employer Partner. Supports Junior Leaders Field Gun competition, sponsors Maths Award, provides work experience opportunities, and offers apprenticeships. Company is a headline sponsor of Annual Awards Evening.
- BAE SystemsprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. Provides Augmented Reality Suite visits, sponsors Engineer of the Year Award and Maths Award, offers apprenticeships, participates in virtual work experience programs and Project Pipeline.
- DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)primaryPrimary Employer Partner. Sponsors Computer Science Award at Annual Awards Evening. Contributes to curriculum development and STEM engagement activities.
- IBMprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. IBM Client Innovation Centre provides workplace visits. Sponsors Resilience Award at Awards Evening. Contributes to digital/technology curriculum.
- NHS Portsmouth Hospitals University TrustprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. Sponsors Biology Award at Annual Awards Evening. Students visit QA Hospital for workplace experience. Provides healthcare sector pathways for students.
- Eaton AerospaceprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. Sponsors Physics Award, Engineer of the Year Award, and Curiosity Award (STEM Habits). Hosts engineering apprentices including former UTC Portsmouth student Mae Pettit. Alumni directly recruited through Project Pipeline.
- CytivaprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. Sponsors Creative Problem Solving Award at Annual Awards Evening. Contributes to STEM education and career pathways in biotechnology/life sciences.
- Waterman AspenprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. Highways Apprentice Rebecca Edwards is a UTC Portsmouth alumna. Company delivers degree apprenticeship information sessions to Year 12 students. Contributes to careers education and Project Pipeline.
- SafranprimaryPrimary Employer Partner. Sponsors Engineering Manufacture Award at Awards Evening. Contributes to engineering curriculum and aerospace industry pathways.
- Griffon MarineprimaryPrimary Employer Partner and headline sponsor of Annual Awards Evening. Headline sponsor supporting student awards and exhibition space at events.
- L3HarrisassociateAssociate Employer Partner. Supports STEM education and career pathways in defence technology sector.
- CarnivalassociateAssociate Employer Partner. Offers cadetship apprenticeships including engineering pathways. UTC Portsmouth alumni Angus completing marine engineering cadetship with Carnival.
- Solent UniversityassociateAssociate Employer Partner. University participates in careers fairs and provides progression pathways for UTC Portsmouth students.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
UTC Portsmouth competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Highbury College (Portsmouth): Local FE college offering vocational and technical qualifications (including engineering and T Levels) to the same Portsmouth student base; directly comparable on curriculum and geography.
- Solent University: An associate Employer Partner and Southampton-based higher-education institution offering STEM/engineering pathways, directly comparable as a regional progression destination for UTC Portsmouth leavers.
Direct peers
- UTC Sheffield: Another University Technical College within the Baker Dearing network offering STEM-focused education for 14–19 year olds with strong employer-partner involvement and similar GCSE/A Level/T Level programmes.
- UTC Reading: A Baker Dearing UTC delivering STEM-specialist education with employer partnerships, comparable curriculum structure (GCSEs, A Levels, T Levels) and similar target audience to UTC Portsmouth.
- City of Portsmouth College: The principal local FE college competitor offering post-16 STEM and technical programmes in the Portsmouth catchment; competes head-on for the same regional 16–19 applicant pool.
- JCB Academy: An early Baker Dearing UTC founded around a single anchor employer (JCB), illustrating an alternative employer-anchored STEM-specialist model closely related to UTC Portsmouth's structure.
Broad incumbents
- University of Portsmouth: An executive Employer Partner and the primary university progression route for UTC Portsmouth students; comparable as a higher-education STEM provider in the same catchment with shared taster days and progression pathways.
- Activate Learning: A multi-site FE college group operating in the Solent/south region offering technical and vocational pathways including T Levels, competing for the same 14–19 STEM-interested cohort as UTC Portsmouth.
Others
- Baker Dearing Educational Trust: The parent charitable trust that establishes and supports all UTCs including UTC Portsmouth; comparable as an umbrella governance and funding body rather than an operating peer.
Emerging players
- South Central Institute of Technology: A regional Institute of Technology consortium focused on higher-level technical STEM pathways, partially overlapping with UTC Portsmouth's mission to deliver employer-aligned STEM education in the Solent region.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
UTC Portsmouth social profiles
Digital presenceUTC Portsmouth compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
UTC Portsmouth financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UTC Portsmouth leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
UTC Portsmouth funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UTC Portsmouth M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about UTC Portsmouth
What does UTC Portsmouth do?
UTC Portsmouth is a government-funded STEM specialist college providing academic and technical education for students aged 14-19 through GCSE programmes (including triple science and engineering certificates), A Levels, and T Levels in Engineering & Manufacturing and Digital Production, Design and Development. Curriculum is co-designed with 34 Employer Partners and enhanced by the Project Pipeline (real-world employer challenges), Enrichment Programme, Training Programme, and Women in STEM Mentoring Scheme.
Is UTC Portsmouth a public or private company?
UTC Portsmouth is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was UTC Portsmouth founded?
UTC Portsmouth was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is UTC Portsmouth based?
UTC Portsmouth is headquartered in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does UTC Portsmouth make money?
One revenue line is on record: public Education Funding.
Who are UTC Portsmouth's main competitors?
Regional players on record are Highbury College (Portsmouth) and Solent University. Direct peers are UTC Sheffield, UTC Reading, City of Portsmouth College and JCB Academy. Broad incumbents are University of Portsmouth and Activate Learning. Baker Dearing Educational Trust is listed as an others. South Central Institute of Technology is listed as an emerging player.
Does UTC Portsmouth have an API?
No public API is recorded for UTC Portsmouth.
What industry is UTC Portsmouth in?
UTC Portsmouth's product category is Secondary Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAAAJ, Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs. Its NAICS code is 6115 and its SIC code is 8200.