The Performing Arts Centre at Newcastle opened in 2014, a £5.5 million investment that transformed the campus into a hub for music, dance and theatre production. Students performing in cabaret nights and West End-standard productions have earned places at Cambridge and other leading universities. This is a college that combines serious academic rigour with exceptional facilities and a genuine commitment to enabling every student to thrive, regardless of starting point.
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) operates from three campuses serving over 8,000 students across North Staffordshire and beyond. The college group was formed in November 2016 following a merger between Newcastle-under-Lyme College (established as a tertiary college in 1986) and Stafford College, creating a transformative partnership that elevated both institutions. In its October 2024 Ofsted inspection, NSCG achieved the rare distinction of becoming the first further education college in England to secure Outstanding grades across all areas of the new Education Inspection Framework, a status it has maintained since 2019. With 58% of A-level grades at A*-B and three Cambridge acceptances in recent cycles, the college ranks in the top 31% of colleges in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking).
The atmosphere here is purposeful without being pressured. Craig Hodgson, Principal and Chief Executive, leads a college where staff are described by inspectors as "excellent role models" who work with genuine care for student success. Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group in Knutton, Newcastle has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community.
The merger of 2016 was not straightforward, Stafford College arrived rated Inadequate. The transformation that followed is remarkable. Inspectors noted that leaders "very effectively brought about the merger" and created something genuinely inclusive. The college now serves students with profound learning needs through specialist provision, high-achieving students bound for Russell Group universities, and hundreds of apprentices in partnership with major employers across the region.
Both campuses have undergone substantial investment. Newcastle Campus, located on Knutton Lane, welcomed a £65 million campus rebuild in 2010, featuring the Sports Centre, Skills and Technology Centre, University Centre and LEGO Education Innovation Studio. The Stafford Campus benefited from a £28 million Skills and Innovation Hub, completed in 2023, housing a 4-court sports hall, gymnasium, construction and engineering facilities alongside a 300-seat auditorium. In 2024, a Technical Excellence Centre opened at Newcastle, providing modern workplaces-reflective spaces for T Level and sports students with highly specified technology in architecture, engineering and construction. Recent summer capital works totalling £10 million included a new 3G pitch with adjacent sports hall, health lab upgrades, dining facilities and security enhancements.
The college outperforms national benchmarks on A-level. In the most recent cohort data, 7% achieved A*, 18% achieved A, and 33% achieved B grades, giving 58% at A*-B combined. This compares favourably to the England average of 47% at A*-B. Reading the raw data: 69% achieved A*-A overall, reflecting consistent strength across the qualification range.
Ranked 830th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), NSCG sits in the typical performance band across the national range, a solid middle position that masks considerable variation within subject areas. Locally, the college ranks 10th among colleges in Newcastle, positioning it firmly above half of its regional peers. This ranking is deliberately understated by mixed-ability A-level intakes; the college does not select entry and serves all students who meet subject prerequisites.
The college achieves these results while maintaining an inclusive approach to entry. Subject areas reflect breadth: traditional academics (sciences, mathematics, languages), applied vocational qualifications (BTEC), and technical T Levels in engineering, health, digital, construction and education.
In 2024, 31% of leavers progressed to university. Three students secured Cambridge places in the recent cycle, a solid representation for a college serving a genuinely mixed ability cohort. Beyond Oxbridge, students progress to Russell Group universities including Durham, Bristol, Exeter and Edinburgh. The college reported over 1,100 students progressing to 102 different institutions in England in 2023, evidencing both breadth of ambition and diverse pathways.
Leavers destinations (2023-24 cohort) reveal the college's multi-pathway approach: 31% to university, 12% to apprenticeships, 33% to employment, and 4% to further education. This reflects the college's strength as a comprehensive technical and academic provider serving the local economy directly.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
58.35%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
Teaching is characterised by clarity and ambition. Ofsted found that "staff ensure that learners with additional learning needs receive the support or adaptations to the curriculum that they need to make substantial progress." In the new framework assessment, every area of provision was rated Outstanding, including Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, and Leadership and Management.
The curriculum is deliberately aligned with regional skills needs. Leaders have developed provision reflecting the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), working closely with employers including Siemens, Hitachi Energy and other blue-chip manufacturers. T Levels run across construction, digital, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, health and education pathways. Apprenticeships span from Level 2 to Level 5, with progression routes to degree study. The group achieved Expert Apprenticeship Provider status, one of only five further education colleges in England, based on exceptional apprenticeship achievement and employer feedback.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology, led by NSCG and launched in September 2024, represents a step change. This £25 million facility brings together NSCG, Keele University, Axia Solutions and other partners to deliver advanced technical training in engineering and manufacturing, modern methods of construction, digital technologies and health sciences. Learners access VR/AR spaces, mock hospital wards, robotics equipment and advanced manufacturing learning factories.
The Performing Arts Centre sits at the heart of Newcastle Campus, housing a purpose-built 250-seat theatre alongside dance studios, acting studios and music facilities. Productions move from student-led cabaret nights to full West End-scale shows staged throughout the year. Former students have progressed to major industry roles. The centre functions both as a teaching space and as a public venue where friends, family and local audiences attend student performances.
The Music and Performing Arts department prepares students "with skills for the West End and beyond." Courses span acting, dance, musical theatre and technical production. A-level music provision operates alongside vocational BTEC National qualifications and Foundation Degree pathways through the University Centre.
Engineering occupies a central position in the college's identity. The new Technical Excellence Centre provides architecture and construction students with CAD workshops, CNC machinery and industry-standard equipment. T Level students in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering work in modern workplaces reflective environments. The college's reputation for engineering is strong enough that students report choosing NSCG "as it was best equipped to teach Engineering" and credit the college with "opening doors to apprenticeships and employment opportunities."
Partnerships with major employers including Siemens mean students encounter real industry challenges. Engineering apprenticeships run from Level 2 through Level 5, with successful completions far exceeding national averages.
The college operates dedicated sports facilities across both campuses. Stafford features a 4-court sports hall and gymnasium within the Skills and Innovation Hub. Newcastle's recent investment included a new 3G pitch with adjacent sports hall building. Sports BTEC National and A-level courses run alongside apprenticeships in sports coaching and team sports. Students report strong sports club provision including Netball representation, and student-led leadership roles including the Sports Activities Officer position within the Students' Union.
The LEGO Education Innovation Studio on Newcastle Campus provides hands-on opportunities in robotics and engineering design. The college hosts FIRST LEGO League UK and Ireland Regional competitions, welcoming schools across the region. Digital and technology pathways include T Level Digital Coding and Technology, supporting students into AI, cybersecurity and software development roles.
College life extends well beyond formal teaching. Students engage through multiple channels: the Students' Union provides representation and coordinates charity work; student 'Xtra' ambassadors represent the college at events; class representatives feed back to curriculum teams; trips span residential outdoor learning at the college's 46-bed Gradbach centre in the Peak District through to visits to leading businesses and universities including Oxbridge familiarisation trips.
Clubs and societies span athletics, football, netball, badminton and other traditional sports. Performing arts provides rehearsal opportunities in drama, musical theatre, choir and ensemble music. The Students' Union Sports Activities Officer coordinates fixtures and training. Academic enrichment includes subject societies and competition participation, students have progressed through FIRST LEGO League competitions and other STEM challenges.
The Honours Programme offers advanced challenge to high-achieving students, providing additional mentoring, extension seminars and stretch materials. Duke of Edinburgh Awards operate to Gold level, engaging students in outdoor learning and personal development. Trips abroad and residential experiences broaden horizons across humanities, sciences and vocational pathways. The college reported students accessing visits to museums, galleries, leading business headquarters and educational institutions.
The Students' Union functions as the college's heartbeat. Student leaders hold elected roles, organise events, coordinate fundraising, and represent peers across college committees. The Union President reported a "favourite memory" of supporting fellow students in need, illustrating how student leadership translates into peer support systems. Multiple student testimonies highlight the friendships formed and the genuine sense of belonging created by deliberate investment in community and belonging.
Staff exemplify the college's values. The recent Ofsted inspection found teachers to be "excellent role models; they are professional, friendly, incredibly supportive and work tirelessly to meet the needs of learners and apprentices." Staff demonstrate "creativity, energy and passion in all that they do," and create "highly supportive, calm and highly aspirational environments in which learners and apprentices thrive."
Transition support is exceptional. New learners "benefit from exceptional transition arrangements, which swiftly make them feel comfortable and familiar in new surroundings." This extends to students with complex needs, the college provides specialist support for learners with high needs, enabling them to "live and work confidently in society and future employment."
The college makes explicit investment in mental health and wellbeing. Learners report feeling safe. Academic support includes extra revision sessions and extensive resources for independent study. Mentoring is available through academic tutorial and pastoral pastoral channels. The college's partnerships with external agencies extend support beyond the institution.
The physical environment reflects ambition. Modern facilities speak to institutional confidence. The Performing Arts Centre's glass architecture, the technology-laden engineering workshops, the professional recording studios within the music department, these are not incidental features but deliberate signals that students matter and their learning environment reflects that investment.
The Grade II listed Tenterbanks building, recently upgraded with classroom improvements and modern security, preserves heritage while enabling contemporary practice. New dining facilities accommodate growing numbers. Auditorium renovations support both teaching and public performance. Landscaping improvements and air conditioning upgrades address student comfort across seasons.
Entry is non-selective. Students apply directly to the college for A-level, BTEC, T Level and apprenticeship programmes. A-level entry typically requires GCSE grades 4-5 in relevant subjects, though the college admits students below these thresholds when tutors believe progression is possible. BTEC and T Level entry is more flexible, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and qualification routes.
The college operates through three distinct campuses: Newcastle-under-Lyme (main academic hub), Stafford (increasingly a centre for technical provision) and Leek (specialist provision). Students can apply for programmes across all sites, though most study at their closest campus.
Open events run throughout the autumn and spring, providing campus tours, hands-on activity sampling, staff conversations and student conversations. The college reports these events as popular and recommends pre-registration. Prospectuses available on request include full course listings and entry requirements.
Ofsted found that "learners feel safe at NSCG." This is not a formulaic statement. Safe learning communities result from deliberate practice: clear behaviour policies implemented consistently; staff trained in safeguarding; accessible pastoral support; mentor relationships throughout study; early intervention when students struggle.
The college operates formal tutorial groups alongside subject teaching. Tutors monitor attendance, academic progress and wellbeing. When concerns arise, support pathways activate: counselling, additional academic support, careers guidance, health referrals where appropriate. Students with high needs receive specialist support enabling participation in mainstream learning.
Mental health support includes counselling services. Academic support includes extended study halls, additional revision sessions, one-to-one tuition where needed. The college's inclusive approach means struggling students receive help, not punishment.
College hours vary by programme: most A-level and BTEC students attend 9:00am to 3:00pm with flexibility for practical sessions that may run later. T Level students experience longer college days reflecting workplace expectations. Apprentices balance on-site college days with employer-based training.
Transport links: Newcastle Campus sits on Knutton Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, approximately 3 miles south of Newcastle town centre and close to the A50. Bus routes connect to Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding areas. Stafford Campus occupies a town-centre location with excellent public transport access. Parking availability varies by campus; students are advised to contact admissions for current parking information.
Catering: Both campuses feature multiple dining options including dining serveries recently upgraded to accommodate record student numbers. Specialist dietary requirements are catered for. Student facilities include modern lounge spaces, study areas and recreational facilities.
IT and learning support: The college provides laptop lending schemes for students requiring technology at home. Extensive software suites support engineering (CAD), media (editing), digital (coding) and business (Office). The LEGO Education Innovation Studio and University Centre provide specialist access to equipment.
Financial support: NSCG is a state college with no tuition fees for young people. Adult learners pay for vocational and higher education courses; fees vary by programme length and level. The college offers scholarships in academic, music, sport and art achievement, though these are merit-based and competitive. Bursaries exist for students from low-income backgrounds; contact student services for current eligibility.
The multi-campus reality. With three distinct physical locations, not all programmes run at all sites. Students may need to travel between campuses during a course or for specialist facilities. Journey times can reach 20-30 minutes depending on home location and programme choice. Clarify campus location before applying.
Mixed ability teaching. The college does not track by ability in A-level. Classes contain students of varying prior attainment. Whilst teachers differentiate, students expecting a selective grammar school environment may feel unsupported if they struggle initially. The college's strength is inclusive education, not segregation by achievement.
T Levels demand commitment. T Level students experience college days until 4 or 5pm including employer placements and extended study. This is more demanding than traditional A-levels. Students must be genuinely interested in technical pathways; those seeking a lighter schedule should explore traditional A-levels instead.
Competition for university places. Whilst leavers do progress to leading universities, competition from across the country is intense. The college offers Oxbridge preparation and university application support, but does not guarantee places. A-level grades here reflect comprehensive intake, students with AAA or higher grades are rare (only 7% achieve A*).
Facilities investment is ongoing. While new buildings are impressive, the college campuses are mixed-age estates with some older buildings. Not all spaces are modern. The Grade II listed Tenterbanks building retains character but is less temperature-controlled than newer buildings.
NSCG is a college that genuinely serves all. The breadth is remarkable: from apprenticeships supporting skilled trades through to A-level progression to Cambridge; from students with profound learning needs through to high-achieving mathematicians; from mature adult learners exploring new careers through to school leavers beginning academic pathways.
Outstanding Ofsted rating across all areas is not accidental. This is a college where leadership is stable and visionary, where staff are invested in student success, where partnerships with employers are genuinely collaborative, and where facilities match ambition. The merger of 2016 could have failed; instead it created something greater than either predecessor.
For students seeking serious academic study, NSCG offers A-level education in a college environment rather than a traditional sixth form. You get greater freedom, more diverse peers, and specialist facilities in areas like performing arts and engineering. For students pursuing apprenticeships or T Levels, the college's regional reputation and employer partnerships are genuine advantages. For students with diverse needs, whether high-achieving or requiring significant support, inclusive practice is authentic, not tokenistic.
The main questions are practical: Is your chosen programme on your nearest campus? Can you commit to college hours that may extend beyond 3pm? Are you ready for a mixed-ability classroom where teacher expectations are high but starting points vary widely?
If those questions answered positively, NSCG is an excellent choice, consistently among the top colleges in England and genuinely the leading provider in Staffordshire.
Yes. NSCG was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in October 2024 across all areas of the new Education Inspection Framework, the first further education college in England to achieve this distinction. The college ranks in the top 31% in England for A-level performance, with 58% of A-level grades at A*-B and 31% of leavers progressing to university in 2024. The college is officially designated an Expert Apprenticeship Provider by the Department for Education, one of only five further education colleges in England holding this status.
In the most recent cohort, 58% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, compared to the England average of 47% at this grade range. 7% of entries achieved A*, 18% achieved A, and 33% achieved B. The college maintains inclusive entry (does not select by prior attainment) and serves students across the full ability range, which explains why elite grades are relatively modest but pass rates remain above England average.
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group is a state-funded college, so there are no tuition fees for A-level students aged 16-18. Students pay for materials, examinations and any optional trips, but tuition itself is provided free. Adult learners (19+) typically pay fees; contact admissions for current rates on specific programmes.
Yes. In recent cycles, three students secured Cambridge places. The college offers Oxbridge familiarisation trips, additional academic support for strong candidates, and structured guidance through the application process. However, with a comprehensive intake and inclusive entry policy, Oxbridge places are not common, most leavers progress to mainstream Russell Group or other universities.
Newcastle Campus features a £5.5 million Performing Arts Centre with professional 250-seat theatre, dance and music studios, and recording facilities. Both campuses include modern sports facilities (4-court sports halls, 3G pitch, gymnasium). Engineering workshops provide CAD, CNC machinery and industry-standard equipment. The LEGO Education Innovation Studio supports robotics and design. Stafford Campus includes a 300-seat auditorium. All campuses feature modern teaching spaces, dining facilities, IT suites and student lounges. The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology, opened in 2024, provides state-of-the-art facilities for higher level technical training.
The college offers A-levels, BTEC National qualifications, T Levels (across 10+ subjects including engineering, health, digital, construction and education), apprenticeships (Level 2 to 5), and higher education programmes through partnership with Staffordshire University. Foundation Degrees, HNCs and HNDs are available in applied subjects. Adult education programmes span short courses through to full qualifications. Specialist provision includes performing arts, engineering, health and digital pathways.
Applications are made directly to the college website. There is no entrance examination for A-level or BTEC; applicants are assessed based on GCSE grades and tutor reference. Typical A-level entry requires GCSE grade 4-5 in relevant subjects, though individual circumstances are considered. Open events run throughout the year; attending an event and pre-registering is recommended. Application deadlines are typically September-October for September entry.
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