Cardinal Newman College

Overview

Cardinal Newman College is described as a Catholic sixth form where students are "proud to attend" and thrive in a "supportive and nurturing environment." The report highlights "exemplary" behaviour, "very high" attendance, and an "ambitious, focused and high-quality curriculum" that effectively prepares learners for university, apprenticeships, or employment.

Strengths

• Students demonstrate "highly positive attitudes to learning" and are "highly motivated to achieve," with most gaining places at their chosen universities.
• Teachers are "subject experts" who plan learning "meticulously," helping students develop deep knowledge and transferable skills like critical thinking.
• Support for students with special educational needs and disabilities is "highly effective," with "highly skilled" teachers providing individualised programmes that enable exceptional progress.
• Leaders foster a culture of "high expectations" and care deeply for staff well-being, resulting in "exceptionally high" staff morale.
• The college offers extensive extra-curricular activities, including overseas trips and clubs, which students participate in with "very high" enthusiasm.

Areas to improve

• Curriculum staff should more routinely involve stakeholders and employers in the creation and delivery of the curriculum, particularly for vocational courses.
• Teachers in level 2 business programmes need to sufficiently develop students’ English skills to prevent repeated errors in spelling and punctuation.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with appropriately trained staff who are aware of how to report concerns and identify signs of vulnerability.