UTC Swindon welcomed Transport Secretary and Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander in for a special red-ribbon event on Thursday 26 June to unveil the school’s cutting-edge cyber security and esports facilities.
Following the high level of demand to study esports and cyber security at the school, UTC Swindon has doubled the amount of computers and modernised the equipment to industry standards. Students can study these courses alongside other technical qualifications or standard A Levels. All pathways include a higher level of employer engagement than found in traditional schools.
During the visit, the MP toured the newly developed cyber suite and esports room, and established engineering workshop. Students led the tour, offering first-hand insight into how these facilities support practical, technical learning in a real-world context.
Ms Alexander was genuinely impressed by the school’s facilities, calling it “a hidden gem”.
“I’m really impressed with the incredible facilities and calibre of students you have here. It’s fascinating talking to the students who have made a proactive decision to come to the UTC because of the specialist subjects on offer.
“Very few people know about this gem hidden away behind the walls – we must certainly do more to ensure that more young people are aware of the incredible opportunities available at UTC.”
She went on to mention how she had recently met with some UTC Swindon students in Parliament and said that she remembered them well: “They made such a good impression as they were engaged and confident,” she said.
After the ribbon cutting, live demonstrations showed the curriculum in action. Esports students showcased competitive team gameplay, strategy and analysis, while cyber security students focused on digital forensics, threat detection, cyber resilience and ethical hacking – all using industry-standard software and tools.
Headteacher Hollie Taylor said the expanded curriculum is a response to a clear skills gap: “We’re proud to be offering pathways that not only inspire students but also meet genuine industry demand. There’s nothing else like this locally and our students are thriving because of it.”
The event supports UTC Swindon’s broader aim to deliver specialist STEM-focused education in partnership with industry, combining academic learning with real-world projects and expert facilities. The courses reflect the increasing relevance of digital resilience, ethical hacking, competitive gaming and broadcast technology in both education and employment sectors. Knowledge of these sectors can lead to a wide range of professions including games design, streaming, branding and enterprise.
Applications for September 2025 entry into Year 10 and Year 12 (sixth form) are still open. Young people with a passion for computing, engineering, cyber security, gaming, or digital careers are encouraged to explore the unique opportunities available at UTC Swindon. www.utcswindon.co.uk