German firm could support new technical college

Politicians yesterday approved the closure of Endeavour High School, which was heralded the future of education when it opened a decade ago.

Pupils in year 10 will be able to complete their GCSEs before it completely closes next year.

It has emerged that the city’s three MPs are backing plans for a new specialist school preparing 14- to 18-year-olds in engineering and renewable skills with one suggesting Siemens could be involved. West Hull and Hessle MP Alan Johnson said: “Siemens have said should they come to the city they would be very interested in sponsoring a UTC.

“They sponsor around four in the country and they are very enthusiastic about their success. Of the 40 UTCs not a single Neet (youngster not in education, employment or training) has left a UTC.

“It’s the kind of hands-on high- quality vocational education we should have had in this city from the 1950s – the kind German kids take for granted. The university is in favour and now we have got the building.

“[Education Secretary] Michael Gove pointed out that [Chancellor] George Osborne had put aside some money for high value engineering equipment that you would need for a UTC. “

There are separate plans for a £11m UTC in Scunthorpe and one is already open in Sheffield.

The move to close Endeavour High School follows a failure to find a strong academy sponsor to take over the struggling secondary, which was placed in “special measures” for the third time 
in 2012 and now has just 400 pupils.

Hull City Councillor Rosie Nicola said: “It is with genuine sadness that I recognise that there is no option but to close the school in August 2015.

“As a result, it is essential that we act swiftly to ensure that we help to facilitate the smooth transfer of Endeavour pupils from the current years seven, eight and nine to alternative schools of their choice.”