About
The history of our college
Aquinas College opened in 1980 as the only Sixth Form College in the Diocese of Shrewsbury. This was in the building of the former St Michael's Secondary Modern School which was converted to house 250 sixth formers. Initially due to student numbers not hitting predictions the local education authority (LEA) predicted closure.
By late 2010 we were one of the most oversubscribed and overcrowded colleges in the country with 1900 daytime students and about 1,000 adults in the evening, and the Learning and Skills Council agreed to a £42M new building - largely funded by them. Since then, gradual growth has continued - peaking at over 2,500. Under the 1993 F&HE Act, Aquinas became a Designated Sixth Form College - no longer under the auspices of the LEA. Our curriculum offer has also hugely expanded to meet the demands of our students and their aspirations.
The Catholic student population has generally increased as the college has grown. The open-hearted policy of welcoming all who wished to share in the overtly Christian ethos has continued. However, the continued oversubscription has meant we are not able to welcome all who want to come. We enrol students from 5 Catholic secondary schools from the Shrewsbury, Salford and Nottingham Dioceses and students travel from across Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire to study at Aquinas.
Saint Thomas Aquinas, pray for us
Our Mission
Aquinas College strives to be a Catholic college for the whole community. Christ is at the very heart of our philosophy. This is expressed in our commitment to the Gospel values of freedom, justice and love.
“I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.”
John 10:10We affirm and value each member of our community, recognising the dignity and unique nature of each individual. In this way the presence of Christ is celebrated. We share in each other’s strengths, support each other in our weaknesses and strive for the highest standards of achievement in all we do. We also encourage a questioning stance towards the values of our increasingly secular society.
In short, we aim to provide reasons for living and hoping.
Strategic Aims 2023-2025
- To provide an outstanding educational experience which promotes the cardinal virtues and prepares students for their next steps in life.
- To deliver a broad and rich curriculum that develops the personal, spiritual and academic growth of all students “so that they may have life and have it to the full’ John 10:10
- To ensure students and staff thrive at every stage of their journey, enabling them to Be More.
Our mission and strategic aims underpin the design of our curriculum and the ambitions we have for our students. Our curriculum intent is about how we set out, plan and sequence what we intend our students to learn and the factors which underpin the choices that the College makes with regard to the curriculum.
Curriculum Intent
Our curriculum provides students with an ambitious, broad and rich educational experience, enabling them to develop knowledge and skills over time. Our curriculum aims to promote academic excellence and enable personal development so that the College is responsive in meeting the needs of students. Their personal development, spiritual and academic growth are vital to preparing them for the next stages of their lives as global citizens.
Study programmes and qualifications embed learning around virtues and citizenship, subject specific careers information and employer encounters, enrichment opportunities, and a focus on a range of transferable skills; such as – English, Maths and employability.
Context and Place
In keeping with our mission we are not academically selective, welcoming all students for whom we have space and a suitable course. Our admissions policy gives priority to Catholic students, others from Catholic schools, and to siblings of past or existing students.
We offer close to 50 subjects at Level 3 with all the students undertaking a core studies programme. The core includes:
- General R.E. - As part of our Catholic mission we deliver lessons in line with the Catholic Religious Education Curriculum Directory.
- Regular assemblies covering both the Catholic Life of the college and other statutory and targeted topics
- Tutorial - our 10:10 programme
- Triple A programme - this is added to timetables of students with very high prior attainment
- Aspire - a programme for students without maths and/or English GCSE at grade 4 and above.
The majority of each year’s intake follow A level courses, with a significant number of students now on mixed study programmes with vocational level 3 courses. We also have a number of students who re-sit GCSEs and study for a bespoke Level 2 programme to provide them with access to Level 3 courses in their second year or the qualifications and skills to apply for apprenticeships or employment. Our Pathways Department offers Entry Level and Level One courses to students with high needs.
In addition to the 16-19 year old students, the College has approximately 600 part time adult students. Our adult centre offers GCSEs in maths, English and languages as well as AAT courses and Access courses in health and social care.
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[...]
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.
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[...]
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[...]
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.
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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.
Computer Science
Computers and technology are at the heart of almost everything we do. Entertainment, business, transport and education all rely on computers.
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’[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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,[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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.
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
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.
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[...]
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[...]
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.
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,[...]
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.
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.
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[...]
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.
Music BTEC
BTEC Music (Performing) is the ideal qualification to gain a base for further training and employment within the music business.
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[...]
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[...]
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[...]
Photography
Photography at Aquinas is an exciting and challenging subject that encourages students to be creative and show a more personal understanding of Photography.
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[...]
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[...]
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.
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[...]
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.
Spanish
Spanish is becoming one of the most important languages in Europe and it is the most studied foreign language after English.
Sport & Physical Activity
Cambridge Technical in Sport and Physical Activity Extended Certificate provides students with practical opportunities to develop relevant core knowledge and skills.
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[...]
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.
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[...]
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[...]
Latest From Aquinas
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.
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 […]
Law Trip to London
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 […]
Drama students and students from the Arts Award programme participated in a careers workshop led by Thom Stocks from the Royal Exchange Theatre company on Monday 4th November. The students focused on identifying career opportunities and professional roles within the theatre industry.