New College Doncaster Review 2026: Outstanding Sixth Form Education in South Yorkshire

Built from scratch in 2017 on the outskirts of Doncaster, New College has grown from a single first cohort of 400 students into a thriving sixth form academy serving over 1,300 young people from across Doncaster and Retford. The college was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in December 2021, achieving grades of Outstanding for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. In the latest 2025 results cycle, 55% of A-level students secured grades A* to B, with 80% achieving A* to C and a near-universal 99% pass rate. These results place the college in the middle tier of England's sixth form providers (FindMySchool ranking 948 out of 2,649 A-level colleges nationally), performing in line with the national typical performance band. The contemporary brick building, designed by STEM Architects and Ryder Architecture, sits in the suburb of Auckley and features a purpose-built sports facility, multifunctional atrium, and breakout study spaces that reflect an institution built to scale.

Walking through the college gates reveals a modern learning environment that prioritises space and clarity. The central spine of the building, a naturally lit three-storey volume, serves as the focal point, housing the library resource centre, study areas and support services. This design choice signals that learning is the priority on arrival. Faculty areas branch off with clear thresholds, each with dedicated breakout spaces and specialist teaching hubs, creating distinct zones while maintaining connection to the whole college community. Students describe a place where teachers are attentive and encouraging, and where lessons feel engaging rather than passive. One student observed that New College "has been the place where I could finally be myself, both personally and academically," reflecting the college's inclusive ethos.

Helen Jackson, the current Principal, leads an institution that operates across three separate sixth form colleges in the New Collaborative Learning Trust (alongside New College Pontefract and New College Bradford). The trust's vision is to "make a significant difference to the lives of young people" and "make a positive contribution to social mobility." At New College Doncaster, this translates into active support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Ofsted inspection noted that "the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who progress to higher education is particularly high," reflecting deliberate efforts to widen access to Russell Group universities and professional pathways.

The college operates with no religious character but maintains a secular, values-driven environment where challenge and support coexist. Teachers demonstrate comprehensive subject knowledge and use retrieval strategies extensively to support independent learning. The atmosphere is purposeful without feeling pressured; students are given space to develop passion and flair beyond core curriculum content through enrichment, competitions, university visits, and industry speakers.

Academic Outcomes

In the most recent results cycle (2024-25), 55% of A-level students achieved the three top grades (A* to B), with an impressive 80% reaching A* to C. The overall pass rate was 99%, indicating near-universal success for those completing courses. These figures place the college in a position of strength. The school ranks 948th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool data), positioning it in the middle tier of England's 2,649 A-level-providing institutions. Locally, New College Doncaster ranks 2nd in Doncaster for A-level performance, cementing its position as the leading academic sixth form in the region.

Since opening in 2017, the college has demonstrated consistency. In 2019, the inaugural full results showed 51% achieving A*-B grades, indicating improvement in the years since. The 2022 cohort achieved a remarkable 62% at the top grades, and while recent results represent a normalisation toward pre-Covid standards, the college has maintained its trajectory above historical norms. Applied General qualifications (BTECs) show equally strong outcomes, with 73-78% of students achieving high distinction grades year on year.

Applied General Performance

For students pursuing BTEC qualifications alongside or instead of A-levels, the college maintains a 98-100% pass rate with distinction grades consistently above 70%. This dual offering means students can pursue vocational pathways without compromising on academic rigour.

Teaching is characterised by high expectations and structured clarity. Ofsted described students as benefiting from "very high-quality teaching" where they "make rapid progress in developing the skills and knowledge." Teachers "challenge students to be the best that they can be" and "demonstrate very comprehensive knowledge of their subjects and communicate this well to students."

The college curriculum spans 26 A-level subjects, with particular strength in facilitating subjects (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature, and classical/modern languages). This breadth allows students to construct combinations that lead toward competitive universities without limiting themselves to narrow academic pathways. The college emphasises independent study skills development, preparing students explicitly for the transition to higher education. Lessons incorporate university visits, industry-linked projects, and guest speakers who bring real-world context to subjects. The Teaching for Learning approach, embedded across the New Collaborative Learning Trust, draws on evidence about memory and learning, ensuring consistent, research-informed pedagogy across all courses.

University Destinations

In 2024-25, 59% of leavers progressed to university, with particularly high numbers from disadvantaged backgrounds securing places at Russell Group institutions. The college's Oxbridge record shows one Cambridge acceptance from eight applications in the measurement period, reflecting a pipeline to elite universities. Most students progress to research universities including prestigious institutions, though the college does not publish specific breakdowns of Russell Group percentages or named destinations on its website.

Beyond university, 23% of leavers entered employment directly, and 6% began apprenticeships. This diversity of outcomes reflects the college's commitment to preparing students for multiple pathways. The Careers Hub and dedicated Careers team work extensively with students from Year 12 onwards, organising work experience placements, apprenticeship mentoring, and employer engagement. A particular strength is support for students uncertain about their direction; the college offers taster days, university video guides, and "Taking a Year Out" guidance.

TASS Dual Career Programme

For students balancing elite sport with academic study, the college offers TASS Dual Career Accreditation. This programme, delivered on Wednesday afternoons, combines academic support with specialist coaching in psychology, nutrition, training methodology, and injury prevention. The college can arrange flexible coursework deadlines and adapted exam timetabling to accommodate competition schedules. Representatives from elite rugby league, football, basketball, and netball teams train and compete under the New College banner, creating a pipeline for athletes pursuing professional or semi-professional careers alongside degrees.

The college offers over 80 enrichment programmes, positioning extra-curricular engagement as central to student development. While the full list of clubs is managed through internal platforms (SharePoint and Teams), the structure is deliberately comprehensive, covering sport, creative arts, academic societies, and student leadership.

Sports & Physical Development

Sports facilities include a multifunctional sports hall, floodlit pitches, and a 3G playing surface. Representative teams compete in men's and women's football, men's and women's rugby league, men's basketball, and women's netball. Athletes access the TASS Dual Career coaching programme mentioned above. The college also maintains partnerships with local and regional sports clubs, creating pathways for students pursuing semi-professional or professional performance. An extensive intramural programme ensures participation extends beyond elite performers.

Creative & Performance Arts

The college offers courses in music, dance, performing arts, and visual arts. Photography students enter the annual Sixth Form Colleges Association exhibition, with work currently displayed in community spaces. The breadth of creative subjects available as A-levels reflects institutional commitment to arts subjects not always prioritised in traditional academic settings.

Student Leadership & Civic Engagement

Student Ambassador and Peer Mentoring schemes develop future leaders. Year 13 students have participated in parliamentary debates through the British Youth Parliament; Amelia Clark-Allen represented New College Doncaster in the House of Commons, leading a campaign for free school meals. This level of civic participation reflects an intentional culture of voice and agency.

Academic Enrichment & Competitions

The college emphasises going "beyond the basics" through competitions, trips, and speaker programmes. Specialist seminars for academic scholars and targeted interventions for gifted and able students create structured pathways for intellectual development. Subject-specific competitions, essay prizes, and Olympiad-style challenges feature prominently. The college holds Centre of Excellence status with the Leadership Skills Foundation, reflecting embedding of essential life skills beyond traditional curriculum boundaries.

Applications are made online through the college's application system. Students apply during Year 11, attending interview in spring. Most receive a conditional offer at interview, confirmed upon meeting entry requirements and attending the mandatory enrolment appointment in August. Minimum GCSE entry requirements vary by subject; the college publishes specific thresholds on its website.

The college draws from a wide catchment area, welcoming students from Doncaster, Retford, and surrounding regions. No formal catchment boundary restricts access; the college operates as an open-access sixth form. However, the college has experienced significant demand; in early 2022, 100 applications arrived within the first week of opening applications, signalling strong market confidence.

Entry is oversubscribed in some subject areas. Students should confirm specific course availability at the point of enrolment, as places cannot be guaranteed if capacity is reached in preferred subjects by the time students attend their enrolment appointment.

Support is comprehensive and accessible. The college employs counsellors, offers mental health support programmes, and maintains a designated safeguarding team. Pastoral tutors know students well and form small tutor groups for personal development. The Ofsted report noted that students "benefit from excellent pastoral and academic support" and "feel safe and confident that concerns will be quickly addressed."

Financial support is available through means-tested bursaries and travel grants. The college works with students facing barriers to attendance, offering flexible scheduling where appropriate and signposting to relevant support services. SEND provision includes accessible facilities, specialist study support, and liaison with students' Education, Health and Care Plans if applicable. The college actively monitors attendance and engages early with families experiencing difficulties.

The college is located on Hurst Lane in Auckley, Doncaster. From the M18, exit at Junction 3, follow the A6182 towards Doncaster for approximately 2.5 miles, then the A630 for 1.5 miles until the Auckley turning. Postcode DN9 3HG provides accurate satellite navigation. The location is served by college bus passes, available for purchase during enrolment. Students using public transport benefit from proximity to local services.

The college day runs according to a published timetable. Students attending induction days in July are given detailed schedules ahead of their August enrolment appointments. The college operates a full calendar year with scheduled holidays published termly. No time off is permitted during term time under any circumstances.

Entry is competitive in popular subjects. With over 1,300 students and strong regional reputation, the college receives significant application volumes. Families should view course availability as subject to change at the point of enrolment, particularly in mathematics, sciences, and facilitating subjects.

Sixth form is a significant transition from school. Students arrive with independence already developed at GCSE level, but the shift to university-style learning — lectures, seminar groups, independent study — requires adjustment. The college provides study skills support, but students should anticipate greater personal responsibility than at secondary school.

The location requires transport planning. While Auckley is accessible from the wider region, students relying on public transport or buses should factor in travel time and costs. Families living significantly outside Doncaster and Retford may face extended journey times. The college operates a bus pass system; costs are reasonable but should be factored into post-16 planning.

Social mobility is a genuine priority, but demand is high. The college's commitment to widening access is demonstrated through Ofsted findings and bursary availability, but families seeking guaranteed places should understand the oversubscription context. Students from all backgrounds apply; the college does not operate selection by ability, but popular subjects fill quickly.

New College Doncaster succeeds in delivering what it promises: outstanding academic results combined with inclusive practice and genuine pastoral support. Since opening in 2017, the college has established itself as the leading academic sixth form in Doncaster, with consistent A-level and BTEC outcomes, strong university progression, and a deliberate commitment to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The modern facilities, comprehensive enrichment offer, and explicit focus on developing independent learning skills prepare students well for higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.

The college is best suited to students seeking a structured academic environment with rigorous subject teaching, access to facilitating A-levels, and university preparation support. The over 80 enrichment options mean that creative, sporting, and civic engagement is accessible alongside traditional academics. For students prioritising university progression to Russell Group institutions, this is an appropriate choice. The TASS Dual Career Programme makes it particularly relevant for student-athletes managing elite sport alongside academics.

The main considerations are the competitive entry for popular subjects and the necessity of external travel for students outside the Doncaster and Retford areas. Those living further afield should carefully plan transport and confirm course availability before committing to applications. For everyone else within reach, New College Doncaster represents genuine quality in state-funded sixth form education.