In 1905, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur opened their doors in Leeds to educate disadvantaged young women in an elegant Victorian building on St Mark's Avenue. That same structure stands today, now expanded with modern facilities and housing a college of approximately 2,000 students aged 16–19. Over a century later, Ofsted has rated the college Outstanding in every category measured, praising students who "thrive in a culture of high expectation and ambition" within what remains a rare Catholic sixth form in the city. The college sits just opposite the engineering departments of the University of Leeds, perfectly positioned for a sixth form that sends nearly 60% of leavers to university, with consistent success in securing places at Russell Group institutions and Oxbridge.
Step into Notre Dame and the Catholic ethos is woven into every aspect of daily life. The Chapel, dedicated to the Sacred Heart and Our Lady of the Angels and formally opened in 1929, features remarkable stained glass windows designed by Harry Clarke depicting the life of the Blessed Virgin. Mass is part of the rhythm of the college, yet this is not a narrowly religious institution but an inclusive community that values diversity. Students describe wearing their college lanyards "with pride" and feeling genuinely safe. The physical campus reflects this investment in student experience; since 2023, the college has invested over £6 million in improvements, including the St Elizabeth Building opened in February 2024, new science laboratories, a mock courtroom, and a hospital ward simulation suite.
The Principal, Justine Barlow, has led the college since April 2018. Under her leadership, the college has maintained Outstanding status across successive Ofsted inspections, with the most recent in September 2024 awarding Outstanding ratings in all six key judgement areas. Staff describe their commitment to ensuring every student becomes "the best they can be," a phrase that recurs naturally in student interviews and appears throughout college materials as genuine rather than merely aspirational.
Up and down corridors during break, you notice calm, purposeful movement. Behaviour is notably excellent; Ofsted inspectors noted that students "demonstrate exceptional behaviour both in classrooms and around the college" with "exemplary" attendance. The college's Stella Maris Leadership Award, developed by college leaders specifically to prepare students for modern Britain, runs across both years and develops character attributes including respect, perseverance, and responsibility. Nearly all students progress to positive destinations post-A-level, with the majority proceeding to higher education.
Notre Dame's A-level results place it in the national typical performance band, solidly in line with the middle 35% of schools across England (FindMySchool ranking). The college ranks 871st in England and 7th in Leeds for A-level outcomes. In 2024, 8% of grades achieved A*, 17% achieved A, and 31% achieved B, translating to 56% at A*-A-B. This profile reflects a college serving a diverse cohort drawn from over 100 secondary schools across Leeds, not just a selective intake.
What distinguishes Notre Dame's results is not simply the headline grades but the progress students make. The college enrolls approximately 300 students with identified special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), providing tailored support that enables these students to achieve their qualifications and education, health and care plan targets. Inspectors noted that students "make significant progress in developing their understanding and skills and achieve very well," with those resitting GCSE English and mathematics showing particular success; more than half achieved grade 4 or above in resits, opening university pathways previously restricted.
The college offers over 50 full-time courses including A-levels in the facilitating subjects, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, and English Literature, alongside specialist options like Criminology, Law, Philosophy, Psychology, and Russian. Beyond A-levels, the college pioneered T Level provision in West Yorkshire, now offering six T Level programmes in Business and Administration, Digital, Education and Early Years, Health, Media and Broadcast, and Legal Services. In 2024, 100% of students on BTEC Digital Games Design, CTEC Design (Architecture and Interior), and CTEC Sport achieved high grades.
In the measurement period, 7 Notre Dame students secured Oxbridge places from 48 applications, placing the college 113th in England for Oxbridge success (FindMySchool ranking). The college's Enhancing Excellence Programme, coordinated by Head of Biology Hannah Smith (nominated for Cambridge's Inspiring Educator Award), provides intensive support for students targeting Oxbridge and Russell Group universities, ensuring they have "the best advice, guidance, support and preparation" available.
Beyond Oxbridge, the picture expands significantly. Leavers regularly secure places at prestigious Russell Group institutions and competitive specialist universities. In 2024, one student achieved three As and is studying English Literature at Cambridge; another secured three Distinction in T Levels for Diagnostic Radiography at Birmingham City University. The college's 2024 cohort saw nearly 59% of leavers progress to university, 6% commence apprenticeships, and 19% enter employment directly, with the remainder in further education.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
55.81%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching at Notre Dame is characterised by deliberate curriculum sequencing and highly effective pedagogical method. Inspectors observed teachers building knowledge skilfully so students are secure in foundation concepts before tackling more complex topics. In criminology, for example, teachers cover external influences on crime perceptions via media before moving to criminological theories and exploring comparative law. In biology, teachers explain photophosphorylation by taking students through each stage using diagrams, texts, quizzes and tasks, ensuring strong preparation for assessment.
Teachers use a range of assessment methods including quizzes, presentations, case studies, professional discussions, and research-based projects. Questioning is deployed strategically to help students recall and apply prior learning. Students receive annotated feedback that guides improvement, with verbal clarification enabling them to refine their work independently. This feeds into a cycle where students progressively develop knowledge, skills, independence and autonomy. The college has invested in professional development through the Notre Dame Essentials framework, which provides a template for effective teaching encompassing chunking of new materials, impactful starter activities, and spaced retrieval strategies. As a result, teacher practice is of consistently high standard.
The ND+ subject enrichment programme provides subject-specific support above and beyond standard curricula, including speakers from industry and higher education, preparation for entrance exams to Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Law, external visits, and participation in subject competitions such as the Maths Challenge and Royal Society of Biology Olympiad. Partnership with the University of Leeds enhances learning; A-level Psychology and Biology students develop skills through live research projects with university academics, whilst Criminology students work with universities and legal firms in simulated courtroom and crime scene environments.
Notre Dame's enrichment landscape is extensive and carefully curated, reflecting the college's commitment that students develop as complete individuals. Over 40 clubs and societies operate regularly, offering genuine breadth from competitive sport to philosophical enquiry. What distinguishes this provision from generic "lots of clubs available" claims is the specific identity and depth of each offering.
The college's Sports Academy provides pathways from recreational to elite level. Competitive teams include Football Team ND (training multiple hours weekly, both onsite and offsite), Netball Team ND (timetabled training and Wednesday afternoon fixtures), Basketball Team ND, Volleyball Team ND, Badminton Team ND, and both Men's and Women's Rugby teams. For those seeking lower-intensity participation, recreational options include recreational badminton, table tennis, and volleyball at lunchtime. Specialist coaching in table tennis runs Thursday afternoons, and there is a Couch to 5K Running group for casual participants. The Sports Hall with full equipment supports this provision, alongside specific facilities for each discipline. Annual Sports Liturgy events integrate the college's Catholic character with sporting achievement.
Debate Club meets Friday lunchtime to develop public speaking and rhetorical skills. Philosophy Club and the Alpha Group provide spaces for ethical and religious enquiry respectively; Alpha operates as an "informal Christian enquiry group" where students bring questions to supportive discussion. Model UN offers simulation experiences in diplomacy and international relations. The Dental Society (Upper Sixth only) supports medical and healthcare career exploration. Law Club, True Crime Club, and Dungeons and Dragons cater to diverse intellectual interests. Engineering Club explores practical innovation, while the Business Enterprise Hub fosters entrepreneurial thinking. These clubs do more than fill timetables; they build student voice and active engagement with learning beyond the classroom.
The college's theatre provision rivals many independent schools. A professional theatre space hosts annual productions, with Drama students receiving specialist coaching. Music Production meets at lunchtime in the theatre, supporting students interested in sound design and recording arts. The College Band (by audition) rehearses Thursday and Friday afternoons in the Lower Study Area. Student Choir meets twice weekly (Monday 10am and Wednesday 11.15am), while the Worship Band rehearses Mondays at 4pm in the Main Hall. These ensembles provide both recreational opportunity and pathways for serious musicians. The podcast studio and media suite support students interested in broadcast media, with a dedicated Podcasting Club and Hyde Park Picture House Cinema Takeover programme.
The college runs a robust Student Executive, a group meeting weekly to enhance college life and support the local community. Social Justice group addresses pressing issues including climate justice, women's rights, racism, and homophobia, with activism beyond discussion. The LGBTQ+ Action and Support Group meets Friday lunchtime in a dedicated, welcoming space. Library Volunteering operates daily, enabling students to contribute meaningfully. Social Media Content Creation is selective; students submit application forms to join the team creating TikTok and Instagram content for the college, developing digital communication skills. Eco Stewards Thursday lunchtime focuses on environmental advocacy and sustainability.
The college organises substantial residential trips at the end of Lower Sixth year, allowing students to choose either international expeditions or in-college enrichment activities. International destinations span Berlin, Cambodia (Camps International), China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Lourdes (pilgrimage), Mexico, Peru, and Spain. These trips are not superficial tourism but integrated learning experiences; the Cambodia trip particularly emphasises service and global citizenship. The Lourdes pilgrimage holds special significance within the college's Catholic ethos, welcoming both Catholic students and those of other faiths or no faith who wish to participate.
The newly expanded library serves as genuine hub rather than archive, with 1000+ computers across seven designated study spaces, professional training in information literacy, and active volunteering opportunities. This infrastructure supports the college's insistence that nearly all students study three Level 3 subjects, requiring serious independent study capacity.
Entry to the college requires five GCSEs graded 9-4 including English and Mathematics. The college recruits from three designated Catholic partner schools (Notre Dame High School, Mount St Mary's, St Michael's College) and over 100 secondary schools across Leeds and beyond. This diverse recruitment model means the college serves families from across the city, not a narrow catchment.
The college is deliberately inclusive. Around 300 enrolled students have identified SEND, and the college has explicitly designed support to enable full participation. Learning Support Mentors work with students identified as requiring additional help, providing tailored adjustments and enabling access to all aspects of college life. Students with education, health and care plans receive individualised support enabling them to progress successfully. For students not ready for Level 3 study at entry, the college has developed a carefully designed Level 2 pathway with English language and mathematics GCSEs, enabling progression to Level 3 in the second year.
First contact with the college occurs through Open Days, typically held in autumn term. Contact the school directly for enquiries.
The college's approach to pastoral care reflects its Catholic values and practical commitment. Every student is assigned to a tutorial group of 6–8 students with a dedicated tutor who provides academic oversight, pastoral support and guidance on next steps. Achievement Support Tutors play a particularly important role, particularly for students navigating challenging personal circumstances; staff understand that many students face barriers to learning and take active steps to remove them, including providing electronic devices to students experiencing digital poverty.
The ND Wellbeing Hub provides centralised access to mental health support, safeguarding services, and wellbeing resources. Staff receive training in recognising and responding to student need. Counselling is available for those requiring additional emotional support. Tutorial sessions raise awareness of risks facing young people, including knife crime, gang culture, and phone theft, reflecting the college's commitment to preparing students for "life in modern Britain." Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with clear procedures and trained staff.
The college provides a culture in which students with SEND feel secure and comfortable while being appropriately challenged. Learning support is integrated into daily teaching rather than separated into clinical sessions. Students value the individualised support they receive and appreciate their voice in shaping what support looks like.
The college operates from 8:30am to 4pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:30am to 4pm Friday, during term time. Holiday opening is 9:00am to 3:00pm. The college sits just off Woodhouse Lane, opposite the University of Leeds engineering departments, within a ten-minute walk of Leeds city centre and on several main bus routes serving most of Leeds. The 16-25 Railcard offers discounts for student travel. Sustainable travel resources are published on the college website, reflecting the college's commitment to environmental responsibility. Disabled access is available throughout, with stairlifts to the Main Hall and accessible facilities. Parking includes 200 spaces on site.
The college provides a time2eat app for meal ordering and payment, a student shop for uniform and resources, and access to the college library system. Cedar Parent Portal enables parents to monitor attendance, access termly reports, and communicate with staff. Parents are invited to termly consultation meetings via SchoolCloud.
Scale and Transition: With approximately 2,000 students, Notre Dame is substantially larger than the average Leeds sixth form. For students accustomed to intimate school environments, the transition requires adjustment. The college's explicit focus on developing independence and autonomy through tutorials and study space is designed to support this, but it is worth considering whether your child thrives in larger institutions.
Admission from Non-Catholic Schools: Whilst the college is Catholic, admissions are not restricted to Catholic students. However, every student participates in the Stella Maris Leadership Award and Philosophy, Theology and Ethics curriculum, which includes Catholic perspectives. Families uncomfortable with Catholic education should discuss appropriateness with the college directly.
Mixed Provision: The college offers A-levels alongside T Levels and BTECs. Whilst this breadth is genuine strength for students with diverse aspirations, it means A-level students are not in a purely academic cohort. Some might view this as a disadvantage; others see it as preparation for modern workplaces where technical and academic skills coexist.
Demand: The college recruits from over 100 schools and is growing; places are competitive. Early contact with admissions is essential.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is a genuinely inclusive further education provider serving diverse students with seriousness, investment, and Catholic values that inform but do not restrict opportunity. The Ofsted Outstanding rating across all categories (September 2024) reflects consistent high-quality teaching, ambitious curriculum design, strong pastoral care, and genuine commitment to student development as individuals. A-level results sit comfortably within the national typical band (FindMySchool ranking), with the college's real strength lying in securing university places for students across ability range and in the exceptional progress students with SEND make against their individual targets.
The college is best suited to students ready for sixth form independence, who value breadth of opportunity alongside rigorous academics, and who appreciate an inclusive community rooted in Catholic values. For families seeking a large, generalist sixth form with proven track record in enabling diverse students to progress to positive destinations, Notre Dame offers genuine substance beneath the Outstanding rating.
Yes. Ofsted rated the college Outstanding in all categories in September 2024, including Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Education Programmes for Young People. The college is a rare sixth form provider in Leeds to achieve consistent Outstanding ratings since 2008. A-level results place the college in the typical performance band (FindMySchool ranking 871st in England), with 59% of 2024 leavers progressing to university, including 7 to Oxbridge institutions. Teaching is strong, with inspectors praising the breadth of curriculum and the college's particular effectiveness in supporting students with SEND.
In 2024, 56% of grades achieved A*-A-B. At A*, 8% of grades achieved this top mark. The college ranks 871st in England and 7th in Leeds for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). Results reflect a diverse cohort from over 100 secondary schools. The college's particular strength is enabling students across the ability range to progress successfully; those resitting GCSE English and Mathematics are particularly successful, with more than half achieving grade 4 or above.
The college provides highly individualised support for approximately 300 students with identified special educational needs and disabilities. An inclusive curriculum is designed specifically to meet their needs, with Learning Support Mentors providing tailored adjustments, sensory support, and practical assistance enabling full participation in all aspects of college life. Progress is measured against individual education, health and care plan targets. Ofsted inspectors rated provision for learners with high needs as Outstanding.
In 2024, 59% of leavers progressed to university, with 6% beginning apprenticeships and 19% entering employment directly. Beyond Oxbridge (7 students in 2024), leavers regularly secure places at Russell Group universities including Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Exeter. The college's Enhancing Excellence Programme provides targeted support for students applying to prestigious universities and competitive programmes including Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Science.
Over 40 clubs and societies operate regularly, including competitive sports teams (Football, Netball, Basketball, Rugby, Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis), performance groups (Student Choir, Worship Band, College Band, Drama), academic societies (Debate Club, Philosophy Club, Model UN, Law Club, Dental Society), and community-focused groups (Social Justice, Eco Stewards, LGBTQ+ Support). The college also organises international trips to destinations including Cambodia, Peru, China, France, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Mexico, and Berlin. A professional theatre, media suite, and podcast studio support creative and broadcast work.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College is a rare Catholic sixth form in Leeds. Every student participates in the college's Catholic ethos, including the Stella Maris Leadership Award and Philosophy, Theology and Ethics curriculum. However, admissions are not restricted to Catholic students. The college welcomes students of all faiths and none; approximately 300 students with SEND are supported regardless of background. Families uncomfortable with Catholic education should discuss appropriateness with admissions.
The college has invested £6 million in facilities since January 2023, including expanded library provision with 1000+ computers available, seven designated study spaces, a professional theatre, media suite, and podcast studio. New science laboratories, a mock courtroom, and hospital ward simulation suite support practical learning. The IT infrastructure is contemporary and well-maintained, supporting the college's expectation that nearly all students study three Level 3 subjects requiring serious independent study capacity.
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