Merchant Taylors’ Oxfordshire Academy Trust is delighted to confirm the transfer of Buckinghamshire University Technical College into the Trust from 1st November. The UTC, based in Aylesbury, becomes the third school within the Trust in addition to Wallingford School and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell CofE Primary School.

John Marston, CEO of Merchant Taylors’ Oxfordshire Academy Trust, said; “It is great to be able to finally confirm the transfer. The potential and demand for technical education in Buckinghamshire and beyond is clear and we look forward to working with a range of partners to move the UTC to the next stage of its development with the introduction of the new Health specialism to sit alongside Building Studies and Computing. There are exciting times ahead.”

Ian Domville, Chair of the Merchant Taylors’ Oxfordshire Academy Trust Board, said; “The UTC adds another dimension to the Trust, and we are looking forward to working with Buckinghamshire New University and the UTC's employer partners, notably Taylor Wimpey, Cisco and McAfee Enterprise, the UTC's founding employer sponsors. We believe this is a win-win scenario, with the UTC's strong links with industry complementing the Trust's proven track record in delivering excellent GCSE and A-level results at Wallingford School.”

Professor Nick Braisby, Chair of the Buckinghamshire University Technical College and Vice Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, said; “I am delighted that the Buckinghamshire UTC will be joining the Merchant Taylors’ Oxfordshire Academy Trust. The University is proud to sponsor the UTC and support the distinctive contribution it makes to technical and vocational education within Buckinghamshire. The Board of Governors of the UTC is very confident that the transition to the Trust represents a highly successful outcome for the UTC, its staff, and its students. I look forward to working with the Trust in the coming years to support the UTC and strengthen its relationship with the University.”

One of the Trust’s first steps is to confirm Nick Lamb as Principal of the UTC from 1st November and Nick is very much looking forward to meeting with current and prospective parents in the weeks and months to come.