FAQs

These are the most frequently asked questions or FAQs about our college.

Before Applying to College

What courses are available?

We have a wide range of courses available ranging from A-Level, T-Levels to BTEC Level 3 and Level 2 qualifications. For more information, please click here.

How do I apply?

The application process is done online. The form will take you through different screens to input all your personal details, course choices and predicted grades. For more information, please visit the Apply page.

How many A-Levels can I study?

You can choose to study three or four A-Levels at Cardinal Newman. If you want to study four A-Levels, we recommend you to have a very strong GCSE profile – this will be discussed at your College enrolment.

Can I study a BTEC with an A-Level?

Yes! Newman will allow you to mix and match BTECs with A-Levels in order to give you the maximum amount of flexibility and future career options.

Do you accept transfers?

If you want to transfer to Cardinal Newman, you will need to complete a Transfer/Restart form. Please contact the admissions team for further information.

What qualifications do I need?

Entry criteria for A-Levels is five grade 5s at GCSE, and for BTECs it is five grade 4s. Many courses also have specific entry requirements and these are detailed on the individual course pages.

What if I don’t meet the entry criteria?

Each case will be treated individually. We will look at your grades on GCSE Results Day to see if we can come up with an alternative plan for you.

If I’m not from a Catholic partner high school, can I still apply?

Absolutely! Although as a Catholic College we are obliged to reserve a number of our places for those schools in our Catholic Partnership, there are still plenty of places available for students applying from other schools both inside and outside of the local area.

What is RE?

The RE programme aims to encourage the formation of the whole person and seeks to be inclusive, challenging and affirming to all, irrespective of faith or perspectives. Through reflections, discussion, simulation games, trips, meditations, personal time, music, art and prayer, we foster a community based on respect and trust where everyone feels valued.

In this class, you will discuss the wider issues in life. They look at the big questions, spiritual development and how they relate to their internal and external worlds. There are no exams, no homework and no coursework in this lesson.

Do I have to be Catholic to study at Newman?

No! Although Cardinal Newman is a Catholic College, we have a broad range of students from all different backgrounds and faiths.

Can I attend Newman as a mature student?

We are a Sixth Form College, which means our A-Level, T-Level and BTEC Level 2 and 3 courses only cater for 16-19-year-olds. We do however have a range of University Courses and an Initial Teacher Training Programme.

What is the campus like?

The best way to find out what the campus is like is to visit! Our next Open Event dates are available here > Open Days

After Applying to College

How do I know whether you have received my application?

If you have applied through our online system to study at Cardinal Newman, we will send you an email within 24 hours to confirm that we have received your application.

When will I receive an offer?

Once you have submitted your application, we will asses your application and where applicable we will offer you a conditional place. You will be invited to attend an enrolment interview in August, when you have received your GCSEs, which is where you will be able to discuss your course choices and enrol onto your courses.

I need to make changes to my application!

You cannot make changes to your application once it is submitted. If you want to make any changes in particular or you entered any incorrect information, you can contact the Admissions Team at admissions@cardinalnewman.ac.uk

I’ve changed my mind about the courses I want to study!

Don’t worry – nothing is set in stone until you come and enrol with us in August. As long as you are meeting the entry criteria, we can change your courses at your enrolment appointment. If you would like to make changes to your subject choices before then please email our friendly Admissions Team at admissions@cardinalnewman.ac.uk  or call us on 01772 460 181. Please do not attempt to submit another application.

Does Newman have a College bus? I’m not sure how to get there.

We have service level agreements for the provision of students transport with all the major transport providers in the Lancashire Area: Stagecoach, Preston Bus, and Transdev. This allows us to sell travel passes to our students at a greatly reduced cost and gives students the flexibility of travel on commercial network services. Passes are valid for the entire academic year and most can be used at evenings, weekends and in the holidays.

Newman is situated within five minutes walk from Preston Bus station and the train station is a 15-minute walk away. There are a variety of cycle routes into the city and there is provision to store your bicycle securely within college grounds.

After Offer

I have an offer, what do I do now?

If you have been made a conditional offer for a September start, you are required to confirm this offer within 2 weeks of receiving it. You can do this by logging onto the ‘Newman Portal’ using the username and password contained in your offer email.

What if I’ve applied to other colleges?

You are more than welcome to accept your place at other colleges as well as Newman.

What do I have to do at enrolment?

Your enrolment appointment will be held over Teams as a video call with a member of staff. You will be sent a link to join the call closer to the time. You will need to upload a copy of your GCSE results to the ‘Newman Portal’ prior to your enrolment appointment. We will send you instructions on how to do this. During the call we will also confirm your course choices and sign you up as a Cardinal Newman student.

When will my timetable be available?

You will be able to view your timetable online prior to your first day at Newman. Details of the exact date will be given during your enrolment appointment.

What if I fail my Maths or English?

The government requires you to have a 4 or a 5 in your Maths and English. If you achieve lower than this, you will be required to resit these alongside your programme of study.

Will I have a form group?

You will have a tutor group with a personal tutor, who will support you in all aspects of college life; from guidance in your studies; help with your study skills; advice regarding possible career progression and application to Higher Education. Through regular one-to-one reviews of your progress, individual target setting and action planning your Personal Tutor will work with you to ensure that you reach your full potential.

How long is the College day?

Newman is a full-time college, lessons start at 9.30 am and finish at 3:50 pm, excluding Wednesdays when the finish time is 3.00pm. However, you will have frees scattered throughout your day allowing you to catch up on work or meet up with friends.

What can I do in my free time?

There is a wide variety of enrichment activities available to help you fill your college week. Please see the Enrichment page for more details.

We have the Open Learning areas where you can go to study or work on class assignments.

We also have the Library with a variety of resources available to you.

The College has a range of food outlets, including a sandwich station (The Deli), Neo Pizza, The Terrace, Hole in the Wall, Starbucks, Costa Coffee as well as plenty of social space and beautiful grounds for you to enjoy.

Is there a Careers team?

Yes. We have a dedicated careers team and careers area in college, stocked with information on universities and courses, apprenticeships, gap years and careers.