Personal Development Programme
The Personal Development Programme (PDP) is central to our Core Studies and is dedicated to nurturing the spiritual, personal, and academic growth of every student. Rooted in our inclusive Catholic mission, the programme upholds the dignity of every individual—recognising the Imago Dei in all—and reflects our commitment to help students “aspire not to have more, but to be more.” Delivered during weekly 90-minute tutorial sessions by dedicated Personal Development Tutors, our curriculum empowers students to develop lifelong habits of character, community, and service.
Our PDP framework is built around five core pillars:
- Virtues & Morality: Living out foundational Catholic character values and personal ethics.
- Destinations: Preparing students for higher education, Level 4+ apprenticeships, and successful transitions into future careers tailored to regional and national opportunities.
- Skills: Building practical, personal, and professional capabilities, aligned with the Skills Builder Framework and LSIP regional priorities.
- Wider Opportunities: Expanding horizons and building aspiration through enriching experiences, employer encounters, and community-led projects.
- Value Added: Developing well-rounded, resilient individuals who achieve significant personal growth and become confident in their abilities during their time at the college.
Core Virtues & Values
As Catholic college for the whole community, we cultivate key Gospel and British Values to help our students flourish as responsible, thoughtful citizens.
| Core Value | Key Principles |
| Faith, Hope & Charity | Accepting truth, rising above challenges, and demonstrating active love for our neighbours. |
| Prudence & Fortitude | Making wise decisions and standing up bravely for what is right. |
| Temperance & Justice | Acting with measured self-control and upholding fairness and respect for all. |
| Democracy & Rule of Law | Understanding rights and responsibilities within a safe, lawful, and equal society |
| Individual Liberty & Mutual Respect | Protecting personal freedoms while respecting, welcoming, and celebrating diverse beliefs across our community |
Through these shared values, we actively promote mutual respect, personal responsibility, and safety across our entire college community.
Our programme explores important safeguarding matters—such as online safety, digital wellbeing, radicalisation and extremism, and healthy relationships—to ensure every young person knows how to navigate the modern world safely and responsibly.
By linking our mission directly to aspirational progression routes, the Personal Development Programme ensures that every learner is fully equipped to succeed in post-16 study and make a meaningful contribution to society.
