Latest News

Christmas Appeal

Once again, this Christmas, Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School are coming together to raise funds to support families with food and gifts.

Many families are feeling the weight of the cost of living crisis, and your generosity can bring a little joy and relief this holiday season. We are providing hampers and gifts for families:

• £1 could buy a few tinned items and a pack of pasta
• £5 could buy a small gift or food hamper
• £10 could buy staple food items 

Every donation makes a world of difference. Through JustGiving, donating is simple, secure, and impactful.

Donations can kindly be made here.

Thank you. 

Friday 19th December Early School Closure

School finishes at an earlier time of 1.30 pm for the Christmas holidays. 

Sixth Form Message

UCAS deadline: 15th December; all UCAS forms to be submitted

English After-School Provision

Our English department is pleased to offer the following after-school provision for students. They will take place every Monday from 4–4.30pm:

• Library with Mr Corner – come along and borrow books from our extensive selection.  There will also be a space to read quietly.
• Culture Club with Mr Murphy – gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in the world, develop your general knowledge and expand your viewpoints and perspectives

For Year 10 only:

• Support with GCSE content with Miss Jackson 

For Year 11 students only:

• Target grade 7+ revision with Miss Connolly
• Target grade 5+ revision with Miss Manzoor
• Target grade 4+ revision with Mr Mackenzie
• Grammar and writing development support with Miss Gymnopoulou *This intervention will be particularly helpful for those students whose first language is not English.

Innovation & Disruptive Technologies for Future Engineering & Technology

Liverpool Life Sciences UTC are part of an exciting event at Liverpool John Moores University. We will be taking our engineering students with us and will be showing examples of our student project work that will be featured.

Mr Howard, Employer Partnerships Programme Lead at Liverpool Life Sciences, will also be participating in a panel discussion on the impact of innovation and disruptive tech / is AI for good or bad? 

This event is ideal for:

• Industry professionals working in technology, engineering or innovation.
• Academics and researchers exploring emerging technologies.
• Students and early-career professionals curious about future technology trends.
• Policy makers and strategists interested in the ethical and societal impact of AI.
• Anyone intrigued by the future of technology and its role in our lives.

When? Thursday 18th December, 9am-1pm. Reserve your spot here.

Over two days of intense competition, the finalists demonstrated world-class technical skills, creativity and professionalism, all qualities highly valued by employers.

Baker Dearing Educational Trust shared that the World Skills competitions provide an excellent opportunity for Liverpool Life Sciences UTC students to showcase the technical skills and knowledge they develop through an employer-led curriculum and industry-linked projects.

Josh said, “Thank you to absolutely everyone for this week. It has been an absolutely amazing opportunity. Congratulations to Harvey for winning gold and Musa for getting bronze. Thank you to Bryn and Oscar for helping setup and deliver such a great week for us all. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next!”

Find out more about the rising stars of UK skills triumph at the World Skills National Finals here.

Scholars Awards Evening

On Wednesday, we proudly hosted our first Scholars Celebration Evening, bringing together families, staff, and students to recognise the outstanding achievements of our Ignite and Year 10 Scholars. The event celebrated the dedication, curiosity, and ambition our students demonstrate daily.

The evening opened with a festive performance by our newly formed Scholars Band, setting a warm and celebratory tone. Presentations began with Mr Nigel Ward, CEO of Northern Schools Trust, and Principal Jill Davies, who highlighted the programme’s rapid growth and the exceptional attitudes of the Scholars.

Guest speaker Carol-Anna Ryan Palmer delivered a heartfelt talk on the crucial role of parents and carers in guiding young people. Scholars then shared their experiences, reflecting on opportunities, challenges, and friendships developed through the programme.

Each scholar received their certificate and distinctive badge from Scholars Lead, Miss Grattage, celebrating their impressive achievements. The evening was a proud moment for all, and we look forward to their future successes.

Claire House Volunteering Session

Yesterday, MeDeVet students had an opportunity to hear from Emma Liney, a representative of Claire House Hospice, about the amazing work they do in looking after terminally sick babies and children and their families in the Liverpool area.

Students felt inspired to raise much needed funds and volunteer over the next year.

Would You Like to Gain Experience and New Skills Before Applying for a Job or University?

Help your local children’s hospice and take on a Claire House Award!

Why should I do it?

• Help raise vital funds to support seriously and terminally ill children and their families.
• Help educate others about what Claire House is and does.
• Help find new ways to make a difference.
• Help our teams to run events they couldn’t do without help.

What do I get out of it?

• Good evidence and experience for your CV, job or University application.
• A certificate and badge to say thank you for your support.
• You can claim back expenses so you will not be out of pocket by volunteering.

From helping in our shops to doing some research at home, there are lots of different flexible volunteering activities you can choose from.

To find out more, click here.

Alumnus Delivers Battlefield Medical Training to Aspiring Paramedics

We were visited on Tuesday by Joe Benson, an alumnus and former staff member who now works in medical training and is a reservist in the medical corps for the army.

Joe gave a workshop to aspiring paramedics on battlefield first aid, including the most common types of injury sustained on the battlefield and how to preserve your own safety whilst caring for others. All the students had a chance to learn how to apply a tourniquet to an arm or leg, and considered what to do if the tourniquet does not stop the blood loss from the wound.

After the workshop, Joe kindly worked with Andy in Year 13, who is completing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) about how battlefield first aid has led to advances in medicine. Joe brought his expertise to bear on Andy’s EPQ, and we are very grateful for his assistance. Many thanks Joe!

Computer Science Trip to Manchester

This week, Year 10 Computer Science and Year 12 Technology Pathway students visited the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester to learn about early computing history; the Jacquard Loom and the Small-Scale Experimental Machine known as the Manchester Baby, which was the first electronic stored-program computer. 

Students also enjoyed experiencing 50 years’ history of computer and console gaming, such as the Binatone TV Master from the 1970s.

Food Testing

This Tuesday, we had a visit from the Year 3 class at Thomas Gray. They are beginning their work on nutrition in their science lessons. To kick-start this, they came to Liverpool Life Sciences UTC to carry out food tests so they could identify what tests were done for four of the food groups. 

Each pair of students tested a series of solutions and managed to correctly identify what food group they belonged to. They completed two dip tests with test strips for both glucose and protein. They also did tests for starch and fats by adding solutions to their samples and mixing them.

While this went on, the students were extremely sensible and followed all the safety rules for the session. The students were brilliant, and we look forward to seeing their Year 5 class for their session next week.

Heart Dissection Session

As part of their Project Based Learning topic “The Heart and Circulation”, Ignite students completed a heart dissection. Students looked for the differences between musculature between the right and left ventricles, and between the ventricles and the atria. They also looked at the bicuspid and tricuspid valves, and considered how these structures relate to the function of the heart.

BIMA Digital Day Webinar

Our Year 10 students took part in a Digital Day on Wednesday 12th November.

On Tuesday 9th December, 6-7pm, BIMA will be running a webinar for parents of students who took part in the day and for those keen to know more about helping 11 - 16 year olds get involved in the digital industry.  

Sign up here.

Session Structure:

• Their panel of experts will provide an overview of the digital industry, including the types of roles available, salary expectations, workplace culture, and pathways into these careers.
• A live Q&A session will follow, giving you the chance to ask questions directly.
• Attendees can also submit their questions in advance to [email protected]

To find out more about the Creative Pathway at The Studio School, click here.

What will you do?

• You will find out about different kinds of art, including printmaking.
• You will have a chance to make your own art. You can use your ideas to create something new and gain confidence as an artist.
• You will also work as a team to make things. 
• There will be a chance to meet people who share your interests and make new friends.

Dates for your calendar

There will be 8 sessions on Saturdays in 2026, all 11am-1pm:

• Saturday 21st February
• Saturday 21st March
• Saturday 18th April
• Saturday 16th May
• Saturday 13th June
• Saturday 19th September
• Saturday 24th October
• Saturday 21st November

If you would like to take part, please get in touch with Blue Room Manager Becky Waite on 07549079500 or email [email protected]

University Opportunity for Year 13s

1. Aberystwyth University Webinar 

With the January UCAS deadline approaching, the university are running 3 short, practical webinars to support undecided students making last-minute choices.

They’re designed for anyone who’s feeling unsure about their Personal Statement, university finances, or last-minute university research, and they’ll be useful whether or not they’re considering studying with us at Aberystwyth.

• Tuesday 9th December at 6pm - How do i write the perfect personal statement? Register here.
• Tuesday 14th December at 6pm - Can I afford to go to university? Register here.
• Wednesday 7th January at 6pm - Last-minute choices. Register here.

Work Experience Opportunities

1. Unilever Port Sunlight Year 12 

Programme details, including key dates, and an application preparation sheet, are available on the All About Futures website. Applications, to be submitted via an online form, open at 9am on Monday 12th January.

The application deadline is Mon 26th January at 5pm

2. QinetiQ Virtual Work Experience 

QinetiQ are offering a virtual WEx for students who are aged 14-19 and interested in roles in STEM. This takes place during half-term and students will also be working on a group project which parallels real-world challenges, with their experts who make sure systems are safe and reliable, whilst providing training and testing that’s as close to real-life as possible.  In previous placements, sessions have been led by Mechanical Engineers, Research Scientists and more.

16-18th February - Applications close on 19th January and students can apply here.

3. Work Experience Opportunity: Mersey Care NHS

At Mersey Care, volunteers play a vital role in providing compassionate, high-quality care. By joining us, you can support patients and families, develop new skills, and gain valuable healthcare experience.

Volunteering allows you to help your community, meet a diverse team of professionals, and make a real impact on people’s well-being. If you’re passionate about helping others, become an NHS volunteer and contribute your time, energy, and compassion today.

If you have any questions, please reach out to their Volunteer Services team: [email protected]. They're here to help you every step of the way.

Job Opportunities

1. Are You Curious About Where a Career in Retail Can Take You — From the Shop Floor to the Boardroom?

Have you thought about how AI, Cyber Security and Sustainability play a role in the shops where we buy our groceries?

Join Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for Retail Reimagined, a virtual event showcasing careers in the grocery retail sector. Hear from industry leaders about career paths, skills, and progression, and learn how to stand out.

TCS partners with UK retailers like Asda, Sainsbury’s, and The Co-op, using technology to transform customer experiences, supply chains, and sustainability. Highlights include a Technology in Retail Masterclass, a Retail Careers Panel, advice on breaking into the industry, and insights from Grocery Aid, supporting retail professionals. Explore how your career can drive an innovative, sustainable future.

To apply, click here.

2. Virtual NHS Health Careers – an overview

Discover the vast career opportunities in health with NHS expert Abigail Changer ,roles, pathways, and the latest industry insights in one essential session!

The perception of roles in health, particularly by young people, can be a narrow one. Join the NHS Health Careers information lead for a whistle-stop tour of all things health careers. The session will provide an overview of roles, entry points, apprenticeship and graduate opportunities, job vacancies, useful resources and latest trends/changes. Join us for this overview and keep an eye out for our more in-depth sessions coming up.

When? 9th December, 3pm - register here.

3. Careers in Veterinary Science

Join this exclusive online experience led by qualified vets and practitioners from the University of Liverpool’s School of Veterinary Science. Discover veterinary careers, entry routes, required skills, study content, and specialist pathways. Explore roles including veterinary nursing, research, and work with exotic, farm, or small animals.

The three days include workplace insights, student life guidance, Q&A, activities, and a virtual group project. Delivered via Google Classroom, Monday 23rd–Wednesday 25th March, 9.30–2.30pm.

Full attendance required. Apply to receive your login details.

CV Guidance

The 6 essentials of a strong resume:

1. Contact Info: Include LinkedIn and portfolio links.
2. Professional Summary: 2–3 lines max. Say who you are and what you do best.
3. Core Skills: Tailor to the job. Keep it relevant.
4. Work Experience: Focus on achievements, not just tasks.
5. Impact of Achievements: Use numbers. “Increased sales by 20%” is better than “helped sales.”
6. Education & Certifications: Keep it recent and relevant.

Don’t make your resume a life story. Make it a results pitch.

Parents/Carer Givers Unifrog Accounts: Access the Resources You Need to Support Children

You can now have access to dedicated accounts where you can:

• Find guides and events specifically for parents/caregivers: How you can help your child choose the right option for post-16
• Subscribe to daily summary emails of your child's activity on Unifrog and to their newsletter for parents and caregivers
• See you child's tasks and upcoming events, and use all the Unifrog tools that student use themselves

Parents/caregivers have very limited access to their child's Unifrog records; everything they can see is designed to help parents/caregivers have useful conversations with their child. You can learn more about this in the help guide.

Liverpool’s Mental Health Support for Children and Young People Training

• Nutrition and Wellbeing - 08/12/2025 - 9:30 am - 10:45 am
• Mental Health Legislation – Children and Young People - 09/12/2025 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Introduction to Self-Harm - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - 10/12/2025
• Growing Stronger ACEs SKILLED Training Merseyside Youth Association Ltd, Liverpool - 10/12/2025 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
• ROAR Response to racial trauma Merseyside Youth Association Ltd, Liverpool - 11/12/2025 - 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
• The Importance of Sleep - 11/12/2025 - 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
• The Online World and Mental Health - 11/12/2025 - 2:00 pm - 3:30 p
• Understanding Mental Health Support for Children and Young People in Liverpool - 15/12/2025 -10:00 am - 11:30 am

To book, click here.

Spark Monthly Newsletter

Spark is a multi-award winning not-for-profit Social enterprise operating as the Wirral Youth Employment Hub in partnership with the DWP, as well as the Youth Enterprise Hub across LCR. They're sparking a movement where every young person can ignite their potential and shape their future - no matter their background. 

This month, they're celebrating the incredible work of their volunteers, partners and young people and highlighting upcoming opportunities for you to get involved and make a difference.

To read this month's newsletter, click here.

Register for Preston here and Liverpool here.

You only need to register a place for the name of the student that’s interested.

Parents, carers or family/support members don’t need to book a place, they can just come along.