£1.7m investment in new technical education pathway

Team Barrow is delighted to be working in partnership with Walney School and the Baker Dearing Educational Trust to help deliver an exciting new approach to education that will strengthen opportunities for young people and support Barrow’s future workforce.

The partnership has agreed, subject to formal decision, to contribute £1.7m from the Barrow Transformation Fund towards the introduction of a ‘University Technical College Sleeve’ at Walney School, which is an innovative, employer-led technical education pathway. Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet will take a formal decision on this proposal at its meeting in July.

This commitment to investing in the skills, ambitions and long-term prosperity of the town aligns with Team Barrow’s 10-year plan, which prioritises economic growth, improved opportunities for young people, and ensuring local employers can access the skilled workforce they need.

The ‘UTC Sleeve’ is due to be introduced from September. This new provision combines academic learning with practical, career-focused education, helping students develop the knowledge and skills required for high-quality careers in key local industries.

The support for the ‘UTC Sleeve’ is one of a number of education initiatives that Team Barrow plans to launch across the town’s schools in the coming months.

Lord Case, Chair of Team Barrow, said: “The enhancement of skills, education, and local opportunity sits at the heart of our mission. We cannot deliver sustainable economic growth, improved productivity, or greater social prosperity unless we invest boldly in the development of our young people. The UTC sleeve at Walney School represents a cornerstone of this effort. 

“By expanding access to high‑quality technical and vocational education in Barrow, it will strengthen pathways into further education, apprenticeships, and skilled employment, helping Barrow’s young people to thrive.”

The UTC Sleeve model builds on the success of England’s 44 University Technical Colleges, where students are significantly more likely to progress into apprenticeships than those in mainstream education. By bringing this proven approach into a local school setting, the partnership aims to widen access to technical education and create clearer, more effective routes into employment.

Two specialist pathways – engineering and healthcare – have been developed in close collaboration with employers. Students will be taught using industry-relevant equipment and in environments designed to mirror the workplace, ensuring that their learning is practical, engaging and directly aligned to real-world careers.

Walney School has been identified as an ideal location for this development. Now part of Furness Education Trust, the school combines strong leadership and a track record of innovation with the physical space required to house the specialist facilities needed for the UTC Sleeve. This unique combination enables the programme to be delivered quickly and effectively, ensuring that benefits can be realised as soon as possible.

The UTC Sleeve has also been designed to be inclusive and collaborative. Open to students from all backgrounds, it will work closely with employers, universities and education partners to create a rich and supportive learning environment. In addition, the facilities and resources will be made available to the wider community, including other local schools, helping to raise aspirations and inspire young people across Barrow.

Lord Baker, former Education Secretary and Life President of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, added: “The opening of the new UTC Sleeve will be a landmark moment for Baker Dearing and the University Technical College movement.

“UTCs already support thousands of young people into apprenticeships and technical university courses each year, helping them into successful and sustainable careers.

“The UTC Sleeve means more young people will be able to pursue their passion for technical subjects and hands-on learning. Their lives are likely to be transformed by the opportunity provided by their Sleeve to progress to high-paying apprenticeships and jobs.

“I would like to thank Furness Education Trust, Team Barrow and our local employer partners for their support. This UTC Sleeve will deliver huge benefits for the people and employers of Barrow-in-Furness and the north-west.”

Chief Executive of the Furness Education Trust Simon Laheney commented:

“Furness Education Trust is incredibly proud to be introducing the UTC Sleeve at Walney School. This initiative represents a major step forward for school-based technical education in Barrow and directly supports the ambitions we all share for our young people and our wider community. The UTC Sleeve will not only benefit Walney School but will also serve as a valuable resource for schools and partners across the area, strengthening opportunities and raising aspirations for the whole community.”

Notes to editors:

As the Barrow Delivery Board is a non-statutory partnership and not a separate legal entity the Council is the ultimate decision-making body for utilisation of the Barrow Transformation Fund.

The Barrow Delivery Board makes recommendations to the Council as Accountable Body. Under the Assurance Framework Cabinet will approve business cases (for funding equal to or above £500k) prior to expending monies.