Newman Makes it into the Good Schools Guide

The College was delighted to be the first ever College included in the Good Schools Guide, which is the number one trusted guide for schools and colleges in the UK.

The Good Schools Guide offers unbiased and candid reviews of schools and colleges, offering parents an insight into the institution from all angles, from the academic achievements to enrichment and extra curricula through to the history and atmosphere of each establishment. The aim is to help parents and students as they make the all-important decision about where to study.

The review, which is available online or in print, starts with an introduction to our Principal, Nick Burnham, before delving straight into the academic attributes of the College: “In 2016, 28 per cent of A level entries were awarded A or A* (comfortably above the national average of 25 per cent). The majority of students study A Levels but many do Level 3 BTEC courses or a combination of the two. Maths is the most popular single subject – with well over 300 students taking it in 2016 and 70 per cent of them achieving grades A*-B.”

The review then goes on to state that: “the range of A Level subjects on offer would rival many an independent school. There are choices even among the core academic subjects – for example the college offers A Levels in Modern History, Early Modern History and Ancient History. Options beyond the usual include A Levels in Textiles, Dance, Digital Photography, Accounting and Graphic Design. The range of BTECs on offer is a little narrower, but it covers the bases – launching students on their journeys towards the worlds of business, technology, healthcare, education or the creative industries. The college also offers a small range of HE courses – e.g. Foundation Degrees in Early Years or in Teaching & Learning Support.”

Talking about the art courses available, the report gave a glowing endorsement: “Art is a huge strength of the college. On the day of our visit an exhibition of A Level and Art Foundation students’ work had just been installed. We were truly wowed by the quality, breadth and maturity of the work on display – from prints and delicate handmade textiles to photography, sculpture, life drawings and installations; we struggled to tear ourselves away from the exhibition to look at the rest of the college.”

For more information about the Good Schools Guide, or to read the full report visit The Good Schools Guide website.