In May 2009 the College once again opened its doors to inspectors from Ofsted.

Staff and students alike were delighted with the results of this latest inspection with officials declaring that: "Cardinal Newman is an outstanding Catholic college in every aspect."

Here are a few highlights of the visit; to view the full report click the link below

Summary of Grades

Effectiveness of Provision: Outstanding

Capacity to Improve: Outstanding

Achievement and Standards: Outstanding

Quality of Provision: Outstanding

Leadership and Management: Outstanding

Equality of Opportunity: Outstanding

Key Strengths & Areas for Improvement

* Living, vibrant Catholic ethos that celebrates all aspects of the college's life and work

* Highly inclusive college

* Outstanding success rates and proportion of high grades

* Exceptionally high retention and attendance

* Excellent progress and holistic approach to students' academic and personal development

* Imaginative and challenging teaching engages and supports learners

* Responsive and productive partnership with the diocese and wider community to meet local needs

* Exceptional participation in an innovative programme of enrichment

* Very well considered religious education (RE) programme structured around the College's mission and values is enjoyed and valued by students

* Robust, inclusive and very effective performance management to achieve challenging targets

* Outstanding management in a culture of accountability, challenge and relentless focus on quality improvement

* Inspirational leadership and strategic vision

* Highly effective and responsive communications at all levels

* Superb resources, dedicated staff and outstanding financial management

* There are no significant areas for improvement

Effectiveness of Provision

"Cardinal Newman is an outstanding Catholic college in every aspect. The inclusive ethos provides a strong foundation, upon which respect of different faiths and cultures allows its students to thrive and develop as individuals in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Expectations and standards are high throughout the College."

"Achievement and standards are outstanding...Students' academic progress and personal development is exceptional. They develop good skills for their future lives. Retention and attendance rates are particularly impressive."

"Teaching and learning are outstanding...Students enjoy lessons and the broader aspects of college life. They participate fully and make significant contributions to the College and wider community."

"Guidance and support are outstanding...Students' progress is carefully monitored so that all achieve their full potential."

Achievements & Standards

"The College's results in 2008 place it at the very top of the performance tables of all colleges...Students make excellent progress and achieve far better than that predicted by their attainment at enrolment."

"The proportion of students achieving grades A or B on AS and A Level courses are very high and well above the national average."

"Achievement and the proportion of students achieving high grades on vocational courses are exceptional. Almost all vocational students achieve at least one higher grade and almost two thirds achieve a full set of distinction grades."

"Students enjoy their time at the College and develop a greater understanding of different faiths and cultures in an atmosphere of trust, harmony and mutual respect."

Quality of Provision

"Inspectors confirm that the quality of provision is outstanding. The College is focused on delivering the highest quality of education within a welcoming, happy, caring and safe community."

"Challenging and innovative teaching is central to the College's commitment to very high standards and students' enjoyment."

"Learners are highly motivated and keen to learn; they treat peers with respect and value each other's differences...Enthusiastic teachers have a passion for their subject; high levels of subject expertise and high aspirations for their learners."

"Dedicated teachers give freely of their time to help students succeed."

"Students participate enthusiastically in the extensive enrichment programme which includes numerous college trips, excursions, visits abroad, sport activities, musical activities and sports academies...A well considered programme for gifted and talented students provides opportunities for them to take Advanced Extension Awards in a range of subjects and AS Critical Thinking."

"Students' self-esteem and confidence are successfully developed through comprehensive, highly effective pastoral and support systems that foster mutual respect, good relationships and care for the individual."

Equality of Opportunity

"High expectations in a culture of trust and mutual respect place students' development and achievements at the centre of all aspects of college life. Consequently success rates, high grades achievement and value added have improved year-on-year and are very high."

"Equality of opportunity is outstanding...Students' views are valued and acted upon."