Associate Member:

Baker Dearing International

Organisation Type:
Education and skills consultants

Contact details
Address: 2nd Floor, 1 The Sanctuary, London, SW1P 3JT

Telephone: +44 (0) 787 949 3078

Website: https://bakerdearing.org/work-with-us/international/

ABOUT

Baker Dearing International is the global consultancy arm of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the UK-based charity behind the University Technical College (UTC) movement. With a mission to transform education systems worldwide, Baker Dearing International helps governments and education providers design and implement employer-led technical schools tailored to the needs of the 21st-century workforce. Their model blends academic excellence with hands-on technical learning, preparing students for careers in engineering, digital technologies, health sciences, and creative industries.

There are 44 UTCs operating across England, educating a record 20,800 students — a 6.5% increase from the previous year2. Half of all UTCs are oversubscribed at key entry points, and capacity utilisation has risen to 75%, up from 50% five years ago. Students leaving UTCs at age 18 are now five times more likely to progress onto an apprenticeship than the national average, and the percentage of female students has grown to 34%, reflecting increasing diversity in technical education. These outcomes underscore the effectiveness of the UTC model and the strategic value Baker Dearing International offers to partners seeking to modernize their education systems.

Baker Dearing International is the global consultancy division of the Baker Dearing Educational Trust, the UK-based charity responsible for the development and oversight of University Technical Colleges (UTCs) in England. Founded in 2009 by Lords Kenneth Baker and Ronald Dearing, the Trust has played a central role in shaping technical education policy and practice across the UK. Baker Dearing International builds on this legacy by offering bespoke consultancy services to governments, education ministries, and providers seeking to reform or enhance their technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems. Its work is grounded in the proven success of the UTC model, which integrates academic study with employer-led technical learning to prepare young people for the future of work.

The UTC model has demonstrated significant impact in England, where 44 UTCs currently operate, educating over 20,000 students aged 14 to 19. These institutions specialise in fields such as engineering, digital technologies, health sciences, and creative industries, and are supported by partnerships with leading employers and universities. Outcomes for UTC students are consistently strong: they are five times more likely to progress to apprenticeships than their peers nationally, and a majority of those entering university choose STEM-related degrees. Ofsted, the UK’s education regulator, has rated 84% of UTCs as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, underscoring the quality and effectiveness of the model.

Baker Dearing International leverages this expertise to support international partners in designing and implementing technical education reforms. Its services include curriculum development, careers guidance frameworks, project management for new school openings, and strategic advice on policy and system design. The consultancy is led by experienced professionals with deep knowledge of education delivery, employer engagement, and government relations. Notably, Baker Dearing has advised on projects in the United Arab Emirates and is actively expanding its reach to other regions seeking to modernise their education systems in response to technological change and labour market demands.

What sets Baker Dearing International apart is its commitment to contextual adaptation. Rather than exporting a rigid model, the organisation works collaboratively with stakeholders to tailor solutions that reflect local needs, cultures, and economic priorities. Its approach is informed by real-world experience and underpinned by a belief in aspirational, inclusive education that equips young people with the skills, confidence, and creativity to thrive. In an era defined by automation, AI, and global competition, Baker Dearing International offers a compelling vision for how education can evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Strategic Consultancy for Technical Education Reform Offers expert guidance to governments and education ministries seeking to modernise their technical and vocational education systems.
Design and Implementation of Employer-Led Schools Advises on the creation of University Technical Colleges (UTCs) or similar models, tailored to local economic and industrial needs.
Curriculum Development in Technical Subjects Supports the design of curricula that blend academic rigour with hands-on technical learning in fields such as engineering, digital technologies, and health sciences.
Careers Guidance Frameworks Develops systems that align education with labour market demands, helping students understand career pathways and employer expectations.
Project Management for New School Openings Provides end-to-end support for the approval, design, and launch of new technical schools, including stakeholder engagement and operational planning.
Employer Engagement Strategies Facilitates partnerships between schools and industry to ensure curricula are relevant and students gain real-world experience through placements and mentoring.
Teacher Training and Professional Development Offers training programmes for educators to deliver technical subjects effectively and integrate employer-led learning into the classroom.
Policy Advice and System Design Works with policymakers to shape national strategies for technical education, drawing on proven models and international best practice.

Data Capture and Impact Evaluation Designs frameworks for monitoring student outcomes, employer satisfaction, and system performance to inform continuous improvement.
Adaptation of the UTC Model to Local Contexts Customises the UTC approach to suit cultural, economic, and educational conditions in partner countries, ensuring relevance and sustainability.
Support for Curriculum Accreditation and Qualification Design Advises on the development of qualifications that are recognised by employers and aligned with national standards.
Integration of Advanced Technologies into Learning Promotes early exposure to emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and 3D printing to prepare students for future industries.
Promotion of Equity and Inclusion in Technical Education Encourages strategies to widen participation, including increasing access for female students and underrepresented groups.
Development of Career-Ready Skills Embeds employability skills such as adaptability, creativity, communication, and teamwork into technical education programmes.
International Benchmarking and Knowledge Exchange Facilitates collaboration between countries to share insights, compare models, and adopt best practices in technical education.
Long-Term Capacity Building Focuses on building institutional and human capacity to sustain reforms, including leadership development and system-wide change management.