Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College

I studied here expecting structure, support, and a professional learning environment. Unfortunately, got the opposite. The college was overcrowded and felt heavily revenue-driven rather than student-focused. Classrooms and communal areas were often untidy, with shaky tables, dirty chairs, and facilities that felt poorly maintained. The IT suites were falling apart during my time there (only renovated after I left), and both the library and IT rooms were constantly full, making independent study almost impossible. Even external options like the University of Leeds library were restricted during exam season. Teaching often felt rushed and poorly planned. Staff clearly misjudged timing early on and then tried to cram content later, leaving students overwhelmed. The workload was excessive to the point that there was barely any time left for self-study, which shows a lack of trust in students’ ability to manage their own learning. Despite this pressure, there was a noticeable lack of proper revision classes before A-level exams. Promises from teachers were also frequently made and then not kept. Support services were a major let-down. The mental health department and careers advice offered genuinely poor guidance and felt disconnected from students’ real needs. Certain senior staff, particularly within science departments, were unsupportive and actively discouraging to students trying to improve. In some cases, strong teachers were inexplicably prevented from teaching Year 13 students, which directly harmed learning. The college relied heavily on its student contract to enforce compliance, often using it against students despite the fact that most were never properly guided through it. Mandatory faith assemblies were repetitive, unchanged across year groups, and a complete waste of time, yet attendance was enforced through the contract. Some PTE sessions were equally pointless and felt like filler rather than education. Food quality was poor, sports were barely encouraged, and overall student wellbeing did not feel like a priority. Even the surrounding environment reflected neglect — St Marks Avenue was unclean with bird droppings everywhere, overgrown trees blocked natural light, and uneven pavements made walking difficult and unsafe. Maybe this isn’t the college’s fault but something has to be done about at and nothing ever was. Given the Ofsted “Outstanding” rating, this experience was shocking. The reality did not match the reputation. This college may suit students who are highly independent and willing to tolerate poor organisation and support, but if you need guidance, encouragement, or a genuinely supportive environment, I would strongly advise looking elsewhere.

Appalling college - if you are thinking of going please don’t. No support, teachers do not respond to emails and the teaching standard is poor. Right to the end my daughter and her friends had issues, culminating with the college reporting an incorrect mark for the epq exam resulting in a lower mark then ignoring 4 emails. Shoddy at best - stay well away from what used to be an excellent college.

I attended this college, and it was far from what I had anticipated. Initially, when I researched about this, it seemed like the best out there, and everyone spoke highly of it. However, my experience changed once I was actually enrolled. While I understand the college’s efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, there needs to be a higher level of standards. I hesitate to go into detail, but let’s just say that outside the church steps, the behavior of some students is highly inappropriate, especially in areas without camera surveillance. I urge the college to raise its admission criteria—don’t simply admit anyone who passes their GCSEs. Conduct PROPER interviews. Unfortunately, this college is now known for all the wrong reasons, and I feel disappointed on behalf of the nuns and everything they worked so hard to build. Hosting events like cultural day and etc. isn’t going to make everybody forget what this college is known for. It’s disappointing to say the least. The students have made this place hell. - Nicole Min

Most of the negative reviews here are upset about how students are being "rejected on induction day" however if you read their invite it clearly stated that you may not receive a place in Notre due to spaces. The school itself is actually great and has wonderful pastoral support. This extends to free maths tutoring, lunchtime support sessions, excellent bursary easily accessible and plenty of study space. Along with that the food is bangin 💥

I received the letter confirming the date and time of my enrolment which turned out to be the last day. Turned up on the day at 11 o clock and one of the staff told me there is no space left, bearing in mind they said they would send a message to students beforehand in case they was full but instead made me waste a journey all the way to Leeds for them to say this. Then asked me if I have a plan B but if you’re telling students this information this late how are they going to have one? I am genuinely disappointed and appalled that it isn’t as well the first time this has happened to someone, there is 0 sympathy and something needs to change. It isn’t fair for anyone to go through this as they should know better.