Welcome from the Principal

A Very Warm Welcome to Newfriars College. Our aim is to transform the lives of young people through partnership, collaboration, enterprise and innovation. Our vision is to maximise opportunities within the community and provide a breadth and richness of experience that enables all our learners to reach their full potential and be part of an inclusive society. Newfriars College is an Independent Specialist Day College in North Staffordshire dedicated to supporting young people with learning difficulties and disabilities aged 16–25.

We provide specialist resources and facilities for all our learners and have an excellent support network within the local area. This provides the college with many opportunities including transition routes into the wider community, employment and supported work experience, independent living and specialist support from highly skilled multi-agency professionals and therapists. Learning in the community and vocational education is extremely important and we are eager to successfully prepare our young peoples for adulthood.

We strive to promote independence, confidence, friendship and pleasure.

We are a safe, caring and friendly community with an emphasis on academic success alongside personal and social development. The curriculum is tailored and personalised to the interests and abilities of each individual person and all of our young peoples are extremely well supported towards the next steps in their lives by a dynamic and highly skilled staff team. Active partnership and collaboration with parents/carers and our local community ensure that all learners can fulfil their potential and aspire to be the best they can be. The excellent staff team at the college have a desire to improve outcomes for young people with disabilities and bridge the gap between college and the outside world.

Our College works in partnership with the Shaw Education Trust who believe that “every young person can achieve great things, whatever their abilities and whatever their background”. We are driven by our vision for a society in which young people with disabilities are able to realise their potential and are given the skills, support and assurance to have a better future.

Ofsted stated that “Learners are proud to go to the College, enjoying the atmosphere and responsibilities for organising themselves and being more independent. They particularly enjoy their contributions through the enterprise and charity work they do.”

I hope you find the website informative, but please do come and make an appointment to visit the college. The atmosphere is truly exceptional due to the relentless commitment and motivation of our staff who aim to provide the best possible outcomes and opportunities for our inspirational young people.

“We aim to transform the lives of our young people, build confidence, self-esteem and resilience and provide a better long-term future which we hope will be full of opportunity and happiness”

Rob Millington