THE University of Bolton is looking to expand the age range of pupils attending its school.

UTC — University Technical College — Bolton opened last September to provide an specialist education combining GCSEs and A-levels with professional experience for 14 to 19-year-olds, specialising in health sciences and engineering technologies.

Now plans have been unveiled for it to become a secondary school and sixth form, admitting Year Seven pupils from September, 2017.

Under the plans it would become a science academy. Education chiefs at UTC Bolton say the proposals, if approved by the department for education, would help address the emerging shortage of secondary school. They are now consulting on the plans for it to become known as University Academy Bolton. Dr Zubair Hanslot, CEO of UTC Bolton, said: “We are embracing the strategy set out by the government of universities helping schools in many ways, especially in terms of governance.

“UTC Bolton is an example of addressing current policy.

“There is a defined shortage of secondary places in Bolton at Year Seven starting from 2017 and this need is predicted to grow. In order to widen the offer from UTC Bolton, of high academic rigour set in an applied context, we want to help Bolton in expanding secondary school capacity.

“We have therefore decided to consult stakeholders including members of the community of our plans.” He added: “The change will impact in UTC Bolton becoming a 11-19 specialist science academy, however we will still continue to offer education that is medical science and engineering focused.