A technical college says it is "disappointed" after the Department for Education confirmed it will close at the end of this academic year.

The Watford UTC, based in Colonial Way, will allow students to complete their studies before they and staff move elsewhere this summer.

It specialises in computer science, travel and tourism, and events management – with 14 to 19-year-olds studying BTEC qualifications alongside GCSEs or A-levels.

Ash Patil, Watford UTC’s chair of governors, said: “We are disappointed with this outcome, as staff, governors and stakeholders have been working hard on a solution to safeguard the future of the UTC.

“The wellbeing and success of all our students remains our highest priority. Every effort will be made to ensure students are supported to complete their studies successfully.”

The Baker Dearing Educational Trust, which supports technical colleges in England, echoed the disappointment while pointing to the UTC’s ‘good’ Ofsted and past student successes.

In a statement it said: “The Watford UTC has taken steps recently to stabilise. For instance, by looking to join a multi-academy trust and by applying to lower its enrolment age. Each of which offered promising results for the long-term sustainability of, not just the school, but the provision of technical education in the Watford area.

“While the trust and the UTC had been preparing a solution which would have safeguarded the school’s future, we will now turn our efforts to ensuring students can successfully finish their learning and staff can smoothly transition to their next opportunities.”

A Watford UTC spokesperson declined to say how many of its 22 employed staff will be made redundant. 

Watford MP Dean Russell, who is also a governor at the college, said he was “disappointed” with the decision and believes UTCs have an important role to play in the country’s education.

“That being said, following exhaustive efforts to find a route to keep the UTC open with every option examined and explored, I accept the Department for Education has had to come to this decision,” he added.

Sharon Barker, secretary and registrar of the University of Hertfordshire, which co-sponsors Watford UTC, said the uni will keep working with the college, stakeholders and the DfE to ensure students keep the same access to university and opportunities.

When approached for a response about the closure, The DfE spokesperson said it would not comment on individual cases.