Jessica Allsop, a Year 11 student at the UTC, is combining her passion for engineering with a clear ambition—to become a military officer in the Army Intelligence Corps. After completing sixth form, studying Core Maths and Engineering, Jessica will enrol and hopes to train at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. 

Since joining the UTC in Year 9, partly inspired by her sister Sophie, Jessica has thrived in an environment that treats students like professionals. 

“It’s innovative, accepting, and simulates a real workplace. You’re treated like an adult.” 

She’s taken part in hands-on projects—from building a hammer in engineering to designing sustainable cars with the University of Derby and working with Toyota on a week-long placement. When assigned as team leader for a CANSAT satellite project, she learned the importance of leadership, precision, and teamwork. 

“Coming to the UTC changed my outlook on school completely. It’s given me purpose and confidence.”