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Welcome to Aquinas Catholic Sixth Form College

A Message From Our Principal

I hope you find our website helpful.  Whether you are approaching 16 and thinking about your sixth form education or 66 and looking for a course in our adult centre, I hope we can provide you with the next step.

As a college we are committed to caring for each individual student.  If you are prepared to work hard you will find Aquinas a supportive and challenging environment.  We have the highest expectations of all our students.

We set rigorous standards of work and achievement and believe that each student deserves the very best possible support to reach her or his full potential.

Our most recent Ofsted inspection report said, “A very welcoming and positive atmosphere reflects a culture of equality, tolerance, respect, support and success”.  If you would like to share in this atmosphere, or wish to find out more about Aquinas College, please do not hesitate to contact us.  We are always happy to help.

Danny Pearson
Principal

Photograph of Danny Pearson

Some of our Latest Achievements:

99%
Overall Pass Rate

Some of our Latest Achievements:

59%
High Grades
(A*-B)

Some of our Latest Achievements:

70%
Dist* – Dist
News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Over 70 of our Media and Film students attended the UCAS Create Your Future event at Manchester Central. This exciting showcase is designed for those interested in creative careers, offering a unique opportunity to explore paths in video production, filmmaking, journalism, graphic design, and more.

Photograph of a TV camera with people in the distance.

After careful consideration, Aquinas College has decided to discontinue our presence on X/Twitter. The platform no longer aligns with our values as an educational institution committed to fostering respect, inclusivity and thoughtful engagement. To prevent any misuse of our identity, we will retain the account but have discontinued all activity.

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In June 2022, Aquinas College set out to explore the possibility of expanding our campus with additional classrooms to enhance the educational experience we provide to our students. A dedicated team was assembled, and a feasibility study was conducted with architects and consultants to assess the project’s viability. Once feasibility was confirmed, we began the […]

Photograph of the new college building

On Thursday 6th November, 26 Upper 6 BTEC and A-Level Law students and 3 staff visited London for our annual trip to Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords), the UK Supreme Court and the London Dungeon. All students were impeccably behaved, showed a great sense of fun and engaged superbly with MP Lisa […]

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Testimonials

A College Unlike Any Other.

Aquinas has been a fantastic experience. The teachers are so supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to help us succeed.
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Course Directory

Skip Courses

3D Design: Architecture and Interior Design

A Level 3D Design: Architecture and Interior is a hub for unleashing your creativity and imagination in the world of Architecture and Interior Design. Our course is designed to not[...]

Student sitting at a desk with calculator

3D Design: Product Design

3D Design: Product Design is a practical course in which you learn by doing, you will be able to create imaginative personal work.

Photograph of students working on a 3D design project

Accounting

The Accounting course helps students understand the responsibilities of the accountant and the impacts of their recommendations on the business and wider environment. It equips students with the necessary knowledge[...]

Photograph of an accounting student reading a book.

Applied Business

Learners will undertake a programme of assessments designed to assess not only their knowledge and understanding of business, but also the way in which this knowledge and understanding can shape[...]

Photograph of an applied business student

Applied Law BTEC

The BTEC Certificate and Extended Certificate in Applied Law allow students to study similar areas of English Law to those that are covered in the A-level course.

Photograph of an Applied Law student with an open book

Applied Science BTEC

BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at[...]

Photograph of an applied science student conducting an experiment

Art, Craft and Design

Art at Aquinas is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages students to be creative and show a more personal understanding of Art, Craft and Design. The aim of this[...]

Photograph of an Art and Design student working on an art project

Biology

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from[...]

Photograph of a biology student with books and some plants.

Business

Business studies students study a variety of topics related to strategy and decision making. One day you may be a manager in a business related to your chosen subject area[...]

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Business Level 2 Diploma

Businesses are at the heart of the economy. They develop innovation, create wealth within communities and lead the way in enhancing the skill of the UK workforce. This vocational course[...]

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Chemistry

Chemistry is a linear A level course that requires, and develops, a variety of skills from mathematical calculations and problem solving to analysis and practical skills.

Photograph of chemistry students performing an experiment

Computer Science

Computers and technology are at the heart of almost everything we do. Entertainment, business, transport and education all rely on computers.

Photograph of a Computer Science student creating a program

Core Maths Certificate

The Core Maths qualification is for students who have passed GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 or above but have decided not to study A Level mathematics. The qualification strengthens students’[...]

Student sitting at a desk holding a pen and smiling

Creative Media Practice BTEC

The Creative Media Practice qualification equips students with professional skills to work in the media and creative industries. The course is 100% practical and all work is assessed internally by[...]

Photograph of students producing a mock live TV programme in the studio.

Criminology

This course is an investigation into crime, criminality and the criminal justice system. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested[...]

Photograph of students taking notes in a classroom.

Diploma in Sport (Double)

The Double Diploma in Sport is designed to give students grounding into all areas of the sports industry. The course is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of[...]

Photograph of students pulling a rope in the sports field.

Drama and Theatre

Drama and Theatre is a practical, engaging and creative specification. It will provide opportunities to examine drama and the work of others, to explore a range of plays, and to[...]

Photograph of a drama student reading a script

Economics

Economics is concerned with the activities of different groups such as consumers, businesses and governments. It examines issues which are increasingly dealt with in the media such as debt, recession,[...]

Photograph of an Economics student studying

English Language

The course covers topics such as how we acquire it from birth, how it varies according to factors like accent, gender, ethnicity and how and why English has become a[...]

Photograph of an English language student studying

English Language and Literature

If you enjoy reading and discussing literature but also have an interest in linguistic approaches to language, you will enjoy this course. English Language and Literature is a two year[...]

Photograph of a student studying the Handmaid's Tale

English Language GCSE

We offer a highly supportive and well-resourced one year course which is suitable for those students who have previously gained a Grade 3 in GCSE English Language and who would[...]

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English Literature

If you enjoy reading and discussing literature, you will enjoy this course. You will gain a detailed understanding of a broad range of poetry, prose and drama, while developing different[...]

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Environmental Science

This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like[...]

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Extended Project

The Extended Project is a Level 3 qualification it allows students to expand on a particular area of their study that they find interesting, the Extended Project will sharpen their[...]

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Film Studies

The WJEC Eduqas specification is designed to introduce A level learners to a wide variety of films in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of film and the range[...]

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French

It is increasingly important in a globalized society to be able to speak more than just one language. So if you enjoyed GCSE French and are keen to be able[...]

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Further Mathematics

This subject is for those who love maths and really want to take it further. It allows you to delve deeper into the subject in a more challenging way.

Student sitting at a desk holding a pen and smiling

Geography

Geography has modules in physical and human geography. Students develop skills in mathematics, analysis and extended writing. Practical work within the specification is one of the attractions of Geography and[...]

Photograph of a student studying Geography next to a globe

Geology

The WJEC-Eduqas A Level in Geology is a linear course with a final exam at the end of two years. It provides a comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and understanding[...]

Photograph of a student revising for a Geology exam

German

For students who enjoyed GCSE German and are keen to be able to communicate in better German.

Photograph of a student studying German

Graphic Design

Graphic Design is a fast paced, successful linear Art & Design course where students will be introduced to a variety of design approaches whilst exploring a range of media, processes[...]

Photograph of a student working on a graphic design project

Health and Social Care BTEC

BTEC Health and Social Care is the equivalent in size to one A Level over two years. There are 4 units in total. 2 of these are assessed by exams[...]

Photograph of a student working on her Health and Social care assignment.

High Achievers Programme

The High Achievers scheme here at Aquinas College is a study programme designed to support our most able students to achieve their academic ambitions and make aspirational choices.

Two students studying

History

A level history is a fascinating and engaging subject for those who are intrigued by the past and want to discover how events have impacted the world in which we live[...]

Photograph of a student studying History

IT BTEC

This course offers a specialist qualification that focuses on aspects of employment within an IT vocational sector. The qualification covers both theory in relation to IT and its place in[...]

Photograph of a BTEC IT student in an IT room.

Japanese GCSE

This course is suitable for those who have already completed the SEG award in the first year or for those who have already studied Japanese up to the equivalent level.

Photograph of a Japanese student holding up a card

Law

The A-level Law course covers a variety of interesting topics. The course takes you from how laws are made, the people who work in the legal system, the criminal law,[...]

Photograph of an A level Law student

Mathematics

This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.

Photograph of an A level maths student.

Mathematics GCSE

This course is for those who enjoy the challenges of mathematics and want an A level which is highly thought of by both employers and universities.

Photograph of a student holding a calculator

Media Studies

Students who take A Level Media Studies find that they are challenged in different ways to other subjects. We study areas of representation including gender, sexuality, age and ethnicity in[...]

Photograph of a media student holding a handheld rig

Music

Music A Level supports students in forming personal and meaningful relationships with music through the development of musical knowledge, understanding and skills including performing, composing and appraising.

Photograph of a music student playing the piano

Music BTEC

BTEC Music (Performing) is the ideal qualification to gain a base for further training and employment within the music business.

Photograph of a student playing the drums

Music Technology

Music Technology A- Level supports and develops skills in Music Production and Recording. In addition, students are challenged to listen critically to music and analyse how the appropriate use of[...]

Photograph of a Music Technology student operating a mixer

Pathways SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)

The Pathways department at Aquinas College offers a two year programme providing specialist educational opportunities for students working towards Entry level and Level 1 qualifications. We focus on developing independence[...]

Photograph of Pathways students in the teaching kitchen

Performance Art Dance Route BTEC

This course is designed for post-16 learners with an interest in Dance and Performing Arts and who want to continue their education through applied learning, and who aim to progress[...]

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Photography

Photography at Aquinas is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages students to be creative and show a more personal understanding of Photography.

Photograph of a photography student taking a photograph outdoors.

Physical Education

A-Level Physical Education offers an exciting opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the scientific, psychological and historical components of PE and Sport. Stimulating content is at the heart of[...]

Photograph of a PE student in a sports field

Physics

The Advancing Physics course shows how Physics is exciting, always developing, of great practical use in many ways and in many careers, as well as probing some of the deepest[...]

Photograph of a physics student stood in front of a whiteboard.

Politics

The Politics course also allows students to study the fundamental ideologies that have influenced most political thought over the past 250 years; Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism.

Photograph of a student reading a politics book.

Psychology

The Psychology course is an investigation into mind and behaviour. The course assumes no prior knowledge of the subject and will appeal to anyone who is interested in understanding and[...]

Photograph of a Psychology student studying

Sociology

The study of Sociology provides you with alternative ways of looking at society and examines how people interact as individuals and in differing social groups within Britain and the world.

Student sitting at a desk holding a pen and smiling

Spanish

Spanish is becoming one of the most important languages in Europe and it is the most studied foreign language after English.

Photograph of a Spanish icon on the wall.

Sport & Physical Activity

Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity Extended Certificate provides students with practical opportunities to develop relevant core knowledge and skills.

Photograph of a sports student

Statistics

Using and understanding data is becoming increasingly important in many areas of study and employment. Understanding of statistics is a crucial skill, and this A Level aims to give students[...]

Photograph of a student with a calculator

Textile Design

Textile Design is an innovative course that uses new technology and encourages you to work creatively with a range of materials and techniques.

Photograph of a textiles student standing next to a dress she has made.

Theology

The A-level Theology course involves a rigorous study of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics and how these relate to the world in which we live and their impact on local and global[...]

Photograph of Theology students in a classroom with a teacher

Uniformed Protective Services BTEC

BTEC Uniformed Protective Services is a relatively new subject at Aquinas College which offers a wide ranging curriculum touching on areas of practical leadership and teamwork activities, Sociology, Police related[...]

Photograph of a Uniformed Protective Services student