9 top schools for DT and engineering

The modern, light-filled and multi-purpose TED centre is home to laser cutters, 3D printers, a vacuum-former and other hi-tech kit you might expect in senior school. CTI (creative, tech, innovation) days have a theme, recently bicycles, and local schools join in. ‘This year a pro BMX biker tested a bike by jumping over teachers lying on the Astro – jeopardy adding to the fun, by all accounts,’ discovered our reviewer. ‘For a space themed day, they designed and built Mars Rover buggies.’ 

‘DT is one of the glories of the school, somehow marrying cutting-edge wonder with practical competence,’ says our reviewer. The department leans towards CAD/tech/computing over woodwork and laser cutting (good preparation for engineering degrees later) although there were literal sparks flying from welding we observed in the metal workshop. DT is compulsory in early years, and many continue it through to sixth form with top results. School runs a robotics club and takes part in the VEX IQ international robotics competition with much distinction. 

This all-through London school boasts an outdoor forge, adorned by artistic and practical ironwork created by students and by the inspirational female blacksmith. It forms part of an extensive array of DT facilities which offer a wealth of hands-on opportunities from an early age - mobiles using bamboo from the grounds and weathervanes made from plastic bottles recycled into acrylic sheets were among the examples that our reviewer discovered. 

Our reviewer was impressed with this girls’ grammar school’s ambitious approach to textiles, photography, fine art and DT – all of which sit alongside each other in spacious and well-resourced studios. There is a collegiate feel between them – ‘more reflective of the industry,’ reckoned one pupil. We admired projects using living hinges and marvelled at the very cool 3D printer generated handles for pieces of furniture. 

We loved the professional wood and metal workshops with the full range of machinery, tool and ample workstations at this co-ed Oxfordshire school. A student-built go-kart hangs from the ceiling as both dramatic art installation and motivational tool (go-karting is a thing here) – and GCSE students had made miniature ski pavilions and chalets while sixth form projects included a stylish and covetable Modernist transparent acrylic and copper piping desk. 

Engineering is taught weekly at this Cambridge prep, and is closely linked with science, DT and computing, a forward-looking approach for which it has won national awards. Green Goblin model racing cars (powered by electricity) are displayed in the atrium, and we spotted displays on climate change, Cop 26 and the environment throughout department. School recognises that pupils need an education that encourages flexible minds – and we love the fact that both the head of science and of engineering are women. 

DT was repeatedly mentioned by parents and pupils as being outstanding and popular when we visited Lancing. ‘The DT space is what sold the college to us,’ said one – and we concur; views of poppy fields stretching out towards the sea and limitless natural light make for an uplifting space. Older students had recently built a car, to be showcased at nearby Goodwood motor circuit. Several go on to take DT and product design courses at university. Increasingly a 50/50 boy/girl split at GCSE and A level. 

This Surrey-based boys’ school stands out for its popular Futuretech programme, which our reviewer describes as ‘DT reimagined to give free rein to “what if” projects linking STEM subjects’. DIY model wind turbines created by second years and visit from Tesla were among the many highlights we saw. There’s even a dedicated Futuretech building including facilities enabling rapid prototyping, CNC machining and laser cutting – complemented by computer suite, clean design room and two multi-material workshops.