Xaverian College: Outstanding Catholic Sixth Form in the Heart of Manchester

A community of learning, faith and service. These six words capture the essence of Xaverian College, one of Greater Manchester's most sought-after sixth form colleges. Founded by the Xaverian Brothers in 1862, the college has evolved from a Catholic boys' grammar school into a thriving mixed sixth form serving over 3,000 students. The 2023 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding in all categories, confirming what parents across the region already knew: Xaverian delivers exceptional post-16 education with a distinctive Catholic ethos. Over 71% of leavers progress to university, with eight students securing Oxbridge places in the most recent measurement period.

The college occupies a historic campus in Rusholme, approximately two miles south of Manchester city centre. Eight buildings spread across two sides of Lower Park Road, each with its own character and purpose. Firwood, the original building, was designed in 1871 by Alfred Waterhouse, architect of Manchester Town Hall. It remains the only surviving domestic building by Waterhouse in Manchester.

Principal Tony Knowles has an affiliation with the college spanning over 50 years as student, teacher, and now leader. This continuity shapes the institutional culture. Staff retention is strong, and there is a palpable sense of community that extends beyond the classroom.

The Catholic identity permeates daily life without being overbearing. The Chaplaincy is not just a building but a programme of activities that brings students together across faiths. Annual events include the pilgrimage to Lourdes, sponsored sleepouts for homeless shelters, and a Christmas party for local senior citizens. Next to the Chapel, the Chaplaincy Social Area offers a welcoming space for students to gather over tea and art therapy sessions.

The student body is remarkably diverse. Students arrive from over 120 different schools across Greater Manchester and beyond. This mix creates an environment where academic ambition coexists with genuine community spirit. The atmosphere is warm and aspirational. Staff are proud to work here, and that pride transmits to the students they teach.

The college has produced notable alumni across generations. Anthony Burgess, author of A Clockwork Orange, attended from 1928 to 1935 and credited his time here with fostering his literary passions. Actor Bernard Hill, known for King Theoden in The Lord of the Rings and Captain Smith in Titanic, is another distinguished former student. Contemporary alumni include Turner Prize winner Chris Ofili and Lucy Powell, Leader of the House of Commons.

A-level results at Xaverian sit in line with the middle 35% of schools in England, placing the college 1,089th out of 2,649 ranked institutions (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it ranks 11th among Manchester providers. The 2024 results showed a 98% pass rate across A-levels, with over 50% of grades at A*-B and a quarter of all grades awarded at A* or A.

Subject-specific performance varies considerably. Science and mathematics departments achieved 287 A* and A grades in 2024 across Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics. Film Studies students achieved 86% at A*-B, which is 38% above the England average. Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Photography, and Textiles collectively achieved over 70% at A*-B. Drama and Theatre achieved 69% high grades, while Music achieved 100% A*-C with 57% at A* and A.

Applied subjects achieved a 100% pass rate with over 70% achieving DDM or above. Looking at the overall grade distribution, 6.46% of grades were A*, 16.49% were A, and 28.42% were B, totalling 51.37% at A*-B. The England average for A*-A is 23.6% and for A*-B is 47.2%, meaning Xaverian slightly exceeds the benchmark at the top end.

The college serves a mixed-ability intake. A-level students have an average GCSE score of 6.6, while BTEC students average 4.9. About 16.4% of students have an average GCSE score below 5.0. Value-added metrics show the college adds significant progress regardless of starting point.

Almost all students study A-level programmes, vocational programmes, or a blend of both. The college offers a comprehensive range of A-levels alongside BTEC applied courses. Students must meet college entry requirements plus additional subject requirements for A-level enrolment. In some cases, a four A-level programme is possible for the most able students.

Teachers are qualified subject experts who benefit from a highly effective continuous professional development programme. Leaders personalise CPD to improve the learning experience, and this investment shows in the classroom. Teaching follows clear structures, and expectations are high. Students describe lessons as challenging but supportive.

Specialist programmes supplement the core curriculum. The Medics, Dentists and Vets Programme runs across both years, supporting students with applications to medical, veterinary, and dentistry schools through guest speakers, university visits, and interview preparation. The Extended Project Qualification offers students the chance to develop independent research skills valued by universities.

Class sizes allow for individual attention while maintaining group dynamics. The Study Centre spans two floors, incorporating the library and Ryken Workroom for independent study. Students receive continuous support from personal tutors, pastoral managers, and subject specialists.

In 2024, 58% of Xaverian leavers progressed to university, with a cohort of 1,284 students. A further 4% began apprenticeships and 20% entered employment directly. The college has a strong track record in competitive applications, with students securing places to study Medicine, Engineering, Midwifery, and Teaching at Russell Group universities.

The Oxbridge pipeline is particularly notable. Fifty-eight students applied to Oxford and Cambridge in the measurement period, with nine receiving offers and eight securing places. Seven of those places were at Oxford, ranking Xaverian 65th in England for Oxford acceptances. The college is linked with Murray Edwards College and St John's College at Cambridge, and Corpus Christi College at Oxford. These partnerships provide guest speakers, access to conferences, campus visits, and specialist application support.

Recent university offers include Durham, St Andrews, Edinburgh, King's College London, and Warwick. The college maintains that over 71% of students progress to university, with many being the first generation in their families to do so. This social mobility dimension adds meaning to the destination statistics.

Entry to Xaverian requires six good GCSE passes including at least two at grade 6 or above, plus passes in two or more of English, Science, and Maths. Some A-level subjects have additional requirements. Alternative pathways exist for students with BTEC qualifications combined with core GCSEs. Foundation courses require a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 3 or better.

The college is significantly oversubscribed. In 2019, 4,500 students applied for 1,350 places, an offer rate of approximately 30%. When oversubscribed, priority is allocated first to looked-after or previously looked-after Catholic children from associated Catholic high schools, then to other Catholic students from Catholic high schools, followed by Catholic students from non-Catholic schools, and finally non-Catholic students. Late applicants receive lowest priority.

The application deadline for September 2026 entry is Friday 9th January 2026. Students should download the application form, complete pages one to three with a personal statement, and present both to their Head of Year. Schools then complete and submit the application. The admissions team advises on outcomes by the end of March.

Open events typically run in autumn. Prospective students and families can contact the admissions team with queries.

Each student receives continuous support through a three-tier system: personal tutors for day-to-day guidance, pastoral managers for wider welfare, and subject specialists for academic concerns. Counselling services are available for students needing additional emotional support. Learning support accommodates students with specific educational needs, while financial assistance programmes help those facing economic barriers.

The Catholic ethos shapes the pastoral approach. Gospel values of dignity, service, and community inform how staff interact with students. The Chaplaincy team organises activities that build connection and purpose. Students of every faith participate in charitable initiatives, from sponsored sleepouts to Lenten fasts.

Ofsted found that students benefit from a warm, welcoming, and aspirational culture. Staff at all levels are proud to work at Xaverian, and this positive environment supports student wellbeing. Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Students describe feeling known and valued as individuals.

Sport

The Xaverian Elite Basketball Academy stands out as a nationally competitive programme. Run in partnership with Manchester Giants, the academy offers professional coaching from a coach voted CBL North Coach of the Year in 2024-25. Students access strength and conditioning sessions, private physiotherapy at reduced rates, and comprehensive video analysis of matches. The men's team were crowned CBL 1 North Champions and achieved second place in Basketball England Under-18 Premier.

Beyond basketball, students compete in football, rugby, and various individual sports. Facilities include indoor five-a-side in the sports hall, access to 4G pitches at nearby Platt Lane, and grass pitches at Whalley Range Football Club. The sports hall in Redclyffe, opened in 1975, hosts a range of activities. The college recognises the links between mental and physical health, investing in recreational facilities that support student wellbeing.

Creative Arts

Drama productions are a highlight of the college year. The department stages over seventeen productions annually, including full-scale college shows, smaller performances, and even a staff end-of-year play. Students do not need to study Drama to participate. The 2024 production of We Will Rock You sold out.

Music flourishes alongside drama. Students achieve consistently strong results, with 2024 seeing 100% A*-C and 57% at the highest grades. Facilities include a dedicated music suite in Redclyffe. The partnership with Royal Northern College of Music provides pathways for serious musicians.

Enrichment

Xaverian Xtras offers an extensive programme of activities beyond the curriculum. Current offerings include Anime Club, Sign Language, Yoga, and various craft activities. Study Xtras provides additional subject support. Trips operate both within the UK and abroad. The programme is designed to fit around timetabled sessions and proves invaluable for UCAS applications.

Xaverian is a state-funded sixth form college with no tuition fees. Financial assistance programmes support students facing economic hardship with equipment, travel, and other costs.

The college day runs during standard hours. Transport links are strong given the Rusholme location; the college sits on major bus routes into Manchester and is accessible from across Greater Manchester by public transport. Students benefit from access to University of Manchester Library resources through the partnership agreement.

Food and drink services operate on campus. The student common room underwent recent redevelopment and provides social space between classes.

Oversubscription. With 4,500 applicants competing for 1,350 places in recent years, securing entry is the primary challenge. Families should understand the priority criteria, particularly the advantage given to students from associated Catholic high schools.

Catholic identity. The college's Catholic character is genuine and visible. Daily life includes chapel services, faith-based activities, and chaplaincy programmes. Students of all faiths are welcome and thrive here, but families uncomfortable with a religious environment should consider alternatives.

Large cohort size. With over 3,000 students, Xaverian is one of the largest providers in the region. This brings breadth of course choice and social diversity but differs from smaller, more intimate sixth form settings.

Academic profile. While results exceed England averages at the top end, the ranking of 1,089th in England reflects a mixed-ability intake rather than selective entry. Families seeking highly selective academic environments may want to compare options.

Xaverian delivers outstanding post-16 education within a distinctive Catholic community. The Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects genuine quality: strong teaching, excellent pastoral support, and a culture that enables students to flourish academically and personally. The Oxbridge programme demonstrates that state education can compete with private alternatives, while the broader destination data shows progression routes that work for students of all abilities.

Best suited to students who will engage with the community ethos, who value the Catholic identity or are comfortable within it, and who can thrive in a large, diverse environment. The main challenge remains securing a place. For families who gain entry, Xaverian offers exceptional value and genuine educational ambition.