RUTH Bradbury, the principal of University Technical College, Media City, exudes enthusiasm.

She loves her job, her college and, above all, her students.

“They are unique because they choose to come here even if it’s a long way.”

Wheelchair user Lewis Telford, aged 15, travels daily from Wigan by bus and tram because he loves the facilities and equipment.

“We allow the students to be colourful and express their individuality by the way they look.”

Fourteen to 16-year-olds can join without qualifications but over 16s must have five GCSEs grade C or four including maths and English.

“We stress the importance of core curriculum subjects” said the head, who insists on being called Ruth.

“Maths, physics, computing and English are just as important here as TV and film production, interactive media, game design and digital publishing,” she said.

“Our progress is far better than the national figures suggest because national figures show the results of pupils’ entire secondary education whereas we only take them from 14 – 19.

“Sixth formers have one day a week free for work experience and we hope to extend this to all.”

The college works alongside Salford University, the Aldridge Foundation educational charity, and the Lowry.

UTC has many advanced computers and three fully equipped TV studios available to outsiders. The notice board overflows with exciting work experience jobs.

On March 21, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will hold a Mayor Green Summit at Manchester Central. The students will be filming and live streaming it on BBC.

* An open evening will be held today from 6pm to 8pm for students who are interested in joining year 10 and year 12 in September.

Book tickets from utcmediacityuk.org.uk.