Cardinal Newman College Review 2026: A Catholic Sixth Form Hub for Achievement and Community

Lark Hill House, built in 1797 as a private residence, stands on the outskirts of Preston city centre as a physical reminder of where Cardinal Newman College began. From those Georgian foundations, the college emerged in 1978 when three Catholic grammar schools merged to create a post-16 provider. Nearly five decades later, that heritage continues to shape the experience, though the institution has thoroughly modernised its ambitions and facilities. The college serves around 2,100 students across A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, and Foundation Learning programmes, with a particular strength in humanities and performing arts. Recent A-level results show 62% achieving A*-B grades, with the college ranking 2nd locally and 683rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking). The Catholic ethos permeates daily life genuinely, not performatively, creating a distinctive learning environment where spiritual values and academic rigour coexist.

The twin identities of this college, Catholic heritage and contemporary ambition, are visible the moment you arrive. The original Victorian mansion with its chapel, set within attractive grounds that include a lake and wooded areas, stands beside purpose-built modern facilities. St James Art & Design Centre, the St Cecilia Music Academy, the St John Henry Building for sciences, and the St Wilfrid Building housing two theatres create a campus that feels more like a small university than a typical college. This physical expansion reflects institutional values: aesthetics matter, arts flourish, and facilities are invested in.

Principal Nick Burnham has led since 2012, arriving from Carmel College in St Helens where he held responsibility for staffing and quality assurance. His background in outstanding sixth form colleges shapes strategic direction, seeking excellence without arrogance, aspiration without exclusivity. Staff retention is notably high, particularly among experienced teachers who have worked here for over a decade. The Ofsted inspection of February 2023 awarded Outstanding status across all teaching observed, noting that "students thrive in the supportive and nurturing environment that leaders and staff have created." This wasn't mere inspection politeness. Students consistently describe approachability from staff, a culture where help is readily offered, and a genuine sense of being known as individuals rather than ID numbers.

The college draws from both affluent and deprived parts of Lancashire and beyond, serving as post-16 provider for nine Catholic secondary schools across the region. This partnership model means the student body reflects genuine diversity in background, aspiration, and starting point. The Catholic character is unmissable; the chapel is active, daily prayer runs through the college chapel, and Wednesday Mass is a regular occurrence. Yet the college explicitly welcomes students of all faiths. Approximately 48% of the student body comes from non-Catholic backgrounds, a figure that would have been unthinkable at the predecessor schools in 1978. This integration appears genuine. The 2023 Ofsted report noted approvingly that "students from different backgrounds socialise and work well together" and that there exists "an atmosphere of mutual respect and a recognition of different cultures and beliefs."

A-Level Performance

In 2024, A-level students achieved grades distributed as follows; 8% A*, 21% A, 33% B. This yields 62% A*-B, above the England average of 47%. The college achieved an A-level ranking of 683rd, placing it in the typical performance band in England (FindMySchool data), which represents solid middle-tier performance, in line with the 25th-60th percentile of schools. Locally, within Preston, the college ranks 2nd, indicating strong competitive performance in its immediate region. Across the cohort, specific subject strengths emerged. Further Mathematics students achieved exceptionally high grades, with 62% hitting A* (well above national averages), while mathematics showed over a third of candidates at A* level, indicating particular strength in STEM. Retention rates at A-level in 2024 stood at 88%, suggesting good student progress from enrolment to completion.

University Destinations

In 2024, 50% of leavers progressed to university, with 9 students securing places at Oxbridge. This represents strong achievement given the size of the cohort. Six were accepted to Cambridge, three to Oxford, from 79 total applications. These figures place the college at 115th in England for combined Oxbridge success (FindMySchool ranking). Beyond Oxbridge, the college explicitly supports progression to Russell Group universities, with students regularly accessing leading institutions. The school website emphasises partnership working with Universities of Lancaster and Manchester, with evidence of strong feeder pathways. Outside the university pathway, apprenticeships accounted for 9% of the 2024 cohort, with employment taking a further 25%, and further education 1%. This profile suggests the college genuinely facilitates multiple post-18 routes rather than concentrating narrowly on university.

Teaching here is characterised by clarity and engagement. Ofsted’s latest inspection (7 February 2023) judged the school Outstanding. The college's pedagogical approach emphasises "skilful teaching" with lessons "well planned" and "high standards demanded." Teachers use "a range of teaching methods which encourage development of higher level skills, including analytical and evaluative skills." Critically, "students bring enthusiasm, inquisitiveness and a sense of enjoyment to learning."

Subject-specific excellence was noted in particular areas. In humanities, teaching is "much good and some inspirational," with students "engaged in intellectual debate with confidence." Psychology and sociology teaching was rated "much very good," with the 2023 Ofsted report noting exceptionally high standards of discussion and debate. In science, teaching is "much very good" with "students ask interesting and demanding questions and demonstrate good analytical skills." The newer St John Henry Building, dedicated to sciences, provides well-equipped laboratories and support for practical work. Languages benefit from native-speaking teachers, authenticity in pronunciation, and a newly installed digital language laboratory. The English department operates a specialist study centre with high-quality independent learning materials.

Assessment is rigorous. Work is marked frequently and thoroughly, with written comments helping students understand progression. Target grades are set and reviewed, creating transparency about expectations. Teachers provide "detailed and clear guidance on how students can improve." Progress monitoring uses electronic systems giving personal tutors easy access to subject teacher grades and comments, enabling swift identification of students needing support.

The college offers over 50 courses across A-level, BTEC, T-level, and Foundation Learning pathways. A-level subjects include traditional academic options (History, Government and Politics, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, English Literature, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Business Studies, Accounting) plus more specialist offerings (Law, Geography, Music, Drama, Dance, Fine Art, Textiles, Graphics). This breadth allows students genuine choice. Sixth form entry requires five GCSE grade 5s minimum, with some subjects carrying specific additional requirements. T-levels and BTECs at Level 3 provide alternative pathways for students whose strengths lie outside traditional A-level assessment.

The college invests deliberately in enrichment, branding it "Newman Enhance." This is not tokenistic add-on activity; it is integrated into timetables and celebrated as core to the experience. Students are encouraged to volunteer for Fairtrade, CAFOD, and local elderly care. The college explicitly structures time for club membership, with sign-up at an annual Freshers' Fair. Named enrichment opportunities span remarkable breadth.

Music & Performing Arts

The Music Academy sits within the St Cecilia building and offers ensemble participation across Orchestra, Choir, and Big Band. Students benefit from structured rehearsals and regular performance opportunities. The Performing Arts department is notably ambitious; recent productions include the Christmas pantomime, Generation Z (contemporary devised work), and Fylde Under C, an original musical written by drama teacher Lee Johnson. Visits to professional theatre are routine. In the academic year reviewed, drama and performing arts students travelled to New York for Broadway theatre experience, including Stage Combat workshop training and career advice from seasoned professionals. They watched School of Rock and The Book of Mormon, skated at Rockefeller Center, visited the 9/11 memorial, and dined at Ellen's Stardust. This is not merely tourism; it is serious arts education through experiential learning. The Dance Academy, Newmanoeuvres, operates through audition-only entry. The contemporary dance performance company rehearses technique, engages in choreographic sessions, and performs extensively. Recent work includes 'Cotton' (site-specific piece performed at The Harris Museum in Preston and The Festival of Making in Blackburn) and Victoria!, showcased at Lancashire Youth Dance Festival at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster.

Sports Academies

The college operates Sports Academies in Football (men's and women's), Netball, and Basketball. Entry is by trial only, and membership does not require A-level PE or BTEC Sport study. Training occurs two to three times weekly, with matches every Wednesday afternoon. The Football First Team competes in the AOC North West Elite League (top 10% of colleges in England) and has won national championships twice, with AOC League titles in 2018 and semi-final finishes in national cups. The Netball Academy achieved English Schools' Under 19 National Netball Champions status for three consecutive years, plus AOC National Knockout Cup wins for the same three years. Two students were selected for the GB National Squad in 2019/20. Multiple teams exist to accommodate players of varying ability, from elite competitors through recreational players. Basketball has operated for over 10 years, competing in the AOC North West Men's league and winning that competition three years consecutively. Coaching is provided by qualified professionals (Basketball England Level 2, UEFA B License holders). Non-academy sports include Hockey (men's, women's, and mixed teams), Rugby, and Badminton. Hockey teams compete regularly in AOC Cup competitions, with students selected for GB National Squad. Rachel Greenwood secured a Harvard University scholarship to play hockey, demonstrating pathways to elite opportunity. Athletes benefit from gym memberships, college tracksuits, and embedded curriculum support.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Gold level is offered, with expeditions run through the Anderton Centre in Chorley. Students complete volunteering, physical, skill, expedition, and residential components. The scheme's 3D structure (Bronze through Gold) allows entry at appropriate level for each student. The college emphasizes that the scheme is personalised to individual interest and capability rather than prescriptive.

Arts Award

Offered at Level 3, worth 35 UCAS points, combining creative project work, research into career pathways, volunteering, and production of original artwork or performance pieces.

Academic Societies

The Medical Society supports students pursuing medical, dental, and veterinary science. Membership requires A-level Chemistry and is allocated via merit-based selection. The society delivers a two-year programme: Year 1 includes lectures, visits, and foundation knowledge; Year 2 focuses on personal statement writing, interview preparation, and UKCAT/BMAT test familiarization. Mock medical school interviews (MMIS) are conducted by university professionals. Past successes include 12 students securing medical school places in 2024 across various universities. The society also supports pathways to physiotherapy, optometry, radiography, and pharmacy. The Debate Club operates as a student-led society improving critical thinking and public speaking. Competitions include national fixtures, and students report newspaper coverage.

Student Union

Elected representatives sit on the college's governing body and work with senior management on facilities, policy, and student representation. Union roles include representing the college at open evenings, organising events, and fundraising for charities.

Facilities in Support

The college explicitly names and leverages its physical space. St James Art & Design Centre is newly refurbished, offering light studios with high-quality displays. The St Cecilia Music Academy provides specialist music teaching space. St John Henry Building houses sciences. St Wilfrid Building contains the two theatres. St Augustine's Building houses the sports hall. Factory Lane Playing Fields (one mile south, inherited from the former Catholic College) provide playing pitches. These named spaces create identity and ownership.

This breadth of enrichment, from international performing arts trips to Oxbridge-aspiration medical society to grassroots badminton, ensures that students of varied interests and ambitions find pathways to develop beyond the curriculum. Enrichment is not reserved for the already high-achieving; sports academies welcome talented players regardless of A-level subject choice; music academy membership is audition-based; Duke of Edinburgh is open to any student willing to commit. This inclusive enrichment design is distinctive.

The 2024 leavers destination data shows 50% progressing to university, with particular strength in Russell Group institutions. Nine students secured Oxbridge places from 79 applications, indicating an offer rate of 14%. Beyond elite universities, students access regional alternatives; evidence points to regular progression to Lancaster, Manchester, and similar institutions. The college works explicitly with Universities of Lancaster and Manchester on progression pathways, suggesting structured support for both elite and accessible university options.

25% entered employment directly, including graduates apprentices (Degree Apprenticeships with firms like Barclays and Eric Wright feature in testimonials). 9% entered apprenticeships, providing skilled training routes. 1% entered further education, and the remainder accessed other pathways. This distribution suggests a college genuinely supporting multiple post-18 routes without pushing all students toward university. The Stratcom Programme, mentioned in student testimonials, builds employability through industry leader exposure and cyber security training. Work experience is structured, particularly through the foundation learning pathway, to prepare students for competitive job markets.

Entry requires five GCSE grade 5s minimum for A-levels, five grade 4s for BTECs. Some subjects carry additional requirements (e.g., Mathematics A-level typically expects GCSE Maths grade 7 or above). Application is entirely online through a dedicated form. Key dates run to the academic calendar, though specific 2026 deadlines should be verified on the college website or by contacting admissions directly. Conditional offers are issued based on GCSE grades achieved. Applicants are encouraged to register interest early, particularly those seeking to trial for sports academies, as places are competitive. Transfer students from other post-16 providers must complete a Transfer/Restart form; the college typically accommodates mid-year moves but advises contact with admissions. The college explicitly states it will accommodate requests to change subject choices even after initial application, provided entry criteria are met.

Transport is deliberately supported. The college holds service level agreements with major Lancashire transport operators (Stagecoach, Preston Bus, Transdev), allowing students to purchase annual travel passes at discounted rates valid across commercial networks, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. The college sits within five minutes' walk of Preston Bus Station and 15 minutes' walk from the railway station, positioning it as accessible to commuters across the region.

Support for students is formally structured and appears genuinely personalised. The 2023 Ofsted report noted "good support" delivered through "subject-specific support in study centres, from teachers, student services, the tutorial system, learning support, and the chaplaincy." Teachers are described as "very supportive" with "subject-specific support readily available." Personal tutors actively review progress during one-to-one reviews, supported by senior tutors operating a duty rota for problems requiring immediate attention.

Additional learning support needs are identified through interviews, at enrolment, through information from partner schools, and via teacher referral. Initial assessment of learning styles helps identify dyslexia. Support is arranged mainly through in-class support and one-to-one sessions. The college explicitly notes that "arrangements for literacy and numeracy support are not yet systematic," indicating an area for development. Counselling is available through college and specialist counsellors plus the chaplaincy. A dedicated director of pastoral services and learning support manager strengthen coordination.

Advice on university applications is noted as "very good," with strong links established between the college and Connexions advisers. Careers guidance is offered throughout. Student services provide information on financial help. The overall system emphasises early identification and proactive support rather than waiting for students to request help.

The chaplaincy team operates distinctively. Daily prayer is provided in the college chapel. Mass is offered each Wednesday. The chaplaincy "provides outstanding leadership in drawing together staff and students into a range of activities." Religious education is general provision (open to all, well-attended, with almost all students passing) plus A-level and BTEC options in religious studies. Prayer "follows the pattern of the liturgical year" with special observance at Advent and Lent. This integration of faith is central, yet the college's explicit statement that it "welcomes students of all faiths" appears borne out in practice.

School Hours

The college operates a standard sixth form day. Start times are 8:50 AM with finish times varying depending on timetable; the standard finish is around 3:20 PM, though some students may have additional sessions. Full details should be confirmed with admissions.

Wraparound Care

The college does not operate before-school or after-school childcare (this is post-16 provision). Students are expected to manage their own transport.

Transport

As detailed above, the college holds agreements with major operators and is well-positioned on public transport (five minutes from bus station, 15 minutes from rail).

Facilities

Sports hall, activity hall, dance studio, classroom buildings, two theatres (Newman Theatre and Lecture Theatre), specialist academic buildings (St John Henry for sciences, St James for arts, St Cecilia for music), conference facilities, and off-campus playing fields at Factory Lane.

Access

Most college accommodation is bright, clean, and accessible to students with mobility difficulties. Some classrooms and spaces are noted as "unsuitable" in older inspection reports, though recent investment (St James Centre refurbishment, for example) addresses this progressively.

No on-campus accommodation

The college does not provide halls of residence. Students commute or arrange their own accommodation. This reflects the post-16 demographic, where full-time residential provision is uncommon.

Narrow specialist strength in STEM: While the college excels in humanities and performing arts, STEM appears less distinctly positioned. The 2005 Ofsted report noted concerns about mathematics lesson engagement, and although improvements have occurred, STEM does not rank as a headline strength. Families prioritising engineering or advanced physics pathways might explore alternatives.

College rather than school feel: This is a post-16-only provider, not an all-through institution. There is no primary or secondary phase. If family preference is for continuity from age 11 through to 18 in the same institution, this college would not satisfy that.

Catholic character is genuine: The college integrates Catholic faith authentically. Daily prayer, regular Mass, religious education, and chaplaincy presence are woven into daily life. Families uncomfortable with this, even as non-Catholic minority, should reflect carefully. The college explicitly welcomes all faiths, and the stated 48% non-Catholic composition demonstrates genuine integration. However, opting out of religious education or daily prayer would be swimming against institutional culture rather than working within it.

Sixth form entry is competitive: With applications rising 40% since the college's 2005 turning point, places are increasingly sought. Families should register early and understand that admission is not guaranteed despite meeting entry criteria; grades and references factor into marginal decisions.

Transport is essential: Location in Preston city centre assumes ready access via public transport or driving. Students from rural Lancashire or beyond without independent transport access may find logistics challenging, particularly given the lack of boarding.

Cardinal Newman College is a distinctive sixth form that combines genuine Catholic community with serious academic ambition and unusually rich enrichment opportunity. The college's historic heritage (dating from 1978's merger of three Catholic grammar schools, rooted in a Victorian mansion) creates distinctive character. The A-level ranking of 683rd places it in the solid typical performance band in England, with particular strength in humanities and performing arts. Oxbridge placement rates (9 students in 2024) indicate elite university pipeline capability for a selective minority. A-level results (62% A*-B) exceed England averages, with specific subject excellence in Further Mathematics and language provision.

The enrichment programme, spanning music academies with international performing opportunities, sports academies with Oxbridge-quality facilities, and named academic societies like the Medical Society, is genuinely comprehensive and integrated into timetables rather than bolted-on. This creates an experience richer than many sixth form colleges offer.

The college is best suited to students seeking post-16 study within a distinctly Catholic community, with serious academic expectations balanced against genuine pastoral support. Students thriving in environments that integrate spiritual values, service emphasis (CAFOD, Fairtrade, elderly care volunteering), and structured enrichment will flourish. Those drawn to humanities, drama, dance, or elite music ensemble work will find particular strength. Students seeking intensive STEM or isolated academic focus may find the relational, community-oriented culture constraining, though STEM provision is solid if not market-leading.

The main challenge is simply accessing a place; demand has grown substantially, making entry competitive. For families committed to Catholic sixth form education within the region, this college represents one of the strongest options in England.