Think well, feel well, do well
Holy Cross, founded by the Daughters of the Cross in 1878, is a Catholic Sixth Form College and University Centre, which exists to provide a high-quality education within a community based on Gospel values.
We provide the opportunity for each person to develop spiritually, morally, and intellectually, and we welcome students and staff of all faiths and those of none.
We celebrate and promote the diversity of our community.
We recognise that some members of our community may require additional help and encouragement to get the most from their college experience.
This support is provided via:
• our Excellence for All programme
• an outstanding Learning Support department
• access to the 16-19 Bursary Fund and other financial support
• an exceptional pastoral system
• a staff team committed to providing a high-quality experience to every single one of our learners
Each member of our college community can expect to be valued as a unique individual
We have a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Group in college which meets regularly to discuss and review equality matters, to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
The Student Representative Committee (SRC) also includes an Equality Rep whose role is to focus on equality and diversity issues.
"LGBTQ+ students feel that staff go ‘above and beyond’ to ensure inclusivity and support."
(Ofsted, March 2024)
"Students enjoy going to college and attendance is very high. They find the environment welcoming, caring and friendly."
(Ofsted, March 2024)
Leaving school to join us at Holy Cross is the first step towards your future as a young adult. This is an exciting time as you prepare to make the transition from high school to sixth form college.
Holy Cross has a long tradition of success. Since 1878, when the Daughters of the Cross of Liège first established a school on this site, we have offered excellence in education to people in the local area and beyond, and with a clear mission in mind.
Our mission is to develop our students intellectually to achieve outstanding results, and to develop them spiritually and morally so they can become valued and valuable citizens in an ever-changing world.
Being an inclusive Catholic Sixth Form College, which welcomes students and staff of all faiths and those of none, this mission is at the heart of all we do.
Our motto is “Think well, feel well, do well”, which is taken from a quotation from the late Pope Francis when he addressed a large crowd of students and educators.
We feel this motto sums up our approach to education perfectly – we firmly believe in a holistic education We want our students to think well, concentrating on thinking skills and problem-solving, to feel good in themselves, and to act and do well.
Our students are the life of Holy Cross College. We care for each and every individual who passes through our hands and we hold the highest aspirations for them all.
We believe that every student has unique talents to bring to our college community – talents to be nurtured and encouraged during their time with us.
Meet our students in our student case studies throughout this prospectus (pages 6, 9, 14 and 20).
They include students currently in Upper Sixth, students who recently left Holy Cross in summer 2025, and some students who left even longer ago.
They are all valued members of our Holy Cross community.
Our strong academic reputation means our students achieve highly.
Many leave Holy Cross to join renowned and prominent universities to study competitive courses, including Oxbridge, the Russell Group and Performing Arts schools, as well as progressing onto highly sought after apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
The latest 16-19 performance measures indicate how much progress students who studied A Levels at Holy Cross made between the end of Key Stage 4 and the end of their Sixth Form studies, compared to similar
students across England. These scores are also known as Value Added scores.
We achieved a Value Added score of Above Average, ranking our College among the highest in Greater Manchester.
You will also find highlights from our very successful Ofsted inspection (March 2024) throughout this prospectus.
Excellent specialist facilities and resources are available to all our students, including:
• State-of-the-art Science and Language labs
• Theatre spaces and art studios
• Music practice rooms
• A recording studio
• Media and computing suites
• A superb sports hall
• Dedicated Learning Support, Careers and Wellbeing services (page 11)
Our Enrichment programme (page 15) is exceptional. It encourages students to pursue their own individual interests while studying for their qualifications, and helps to prepare them for life after Holy Cross, wherever that may lead them.
Our staff are incredibly dedicated, caring, and experts in their field, who are highly experienced in preparing students not only for exams, but also for their next steps in life, whatever they may be.
As a Holy Cross student, you will always be supported, both now and in the future.
What Sister Mary Kelly, a former Principal of Holy Cross, once said remains true for us still:
Our aim is to sustain our students and our staff in an atmosphere of encouragement and support.
We believe in the growth of the whole person and in creating a climate where everyone can become their ‘best selves’.
Carina Vitti Principal
NEW for 2025/26
Our digital prospectus (page 6) is an exciting new addition to Holy Cross for the 2025/26 academic year. It can be completely personalised by each student, based on the subjects you are interested in or want to know more about (listed on page 5).
You will find QR codes throughout this prospectus, which when scanned, will allow you to start building your very own digital prospectus.
Once complete, you will receive your own individual link – handy for sharing your prospectus with family and friends.
You can also return to your personalised prospectus as many times as you want to make any changes –it is unique to you.
A Level Courses (Level 3)
Accounting
Art & Design
Biology
Business Studies
Chemistry
Computer Science
Dance
Drama & Theatre Studies
Economics
English Language
English Language & Literature
English Literature
Film Studies
French
Further Maths
Geography
Geology
German
Graphics
History
Law
Mathematics
Media Studies
Music
Photography
Physical Education
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Textiles
Theology, Philosophy & Ethics
We have a wide range of courses available at both Level 3 (A Level and BTEC) and Level 2 (GCSE and BTEC).
Each individual subject has its own entry requirements, and these are clearly marked on our website course finder and digital prospectus (see opposite page).
It is very important to choose the right subjects for you and your future.
Applied Diploma (Level 3)
Criminology
BTEC Courses (Level 3
Extended Certificate or AAQ)
Applied Law
Applied Science (Single Award)
Business
Health & Social Care
Information Technology (IT)
Music Technology
BTEC Courses (Level 3
Extended Diploma)
Applied Science (Triple Award –equivalent to three A Levels)
CTEC Courses (Level 3
Extended Certificate)
Sport & Physical Activity
Level 3 Certificate
Core Maths (One year)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Scan the QR code to read our advice about choosing subjects
GCSE Courses (Level 2)
Art & Design (Graphics or Photography)
English Language
German
Mathematics
Psychology
Sociology
BTEC Courses (Level 2)
Applied Science (Single Award)
Business
Information & Creative Technology (ICT)
“Students with high needs describe a transformational journey that they experience through attending the college.” (Ofsted, March 2024)
High grades at Holy Cross increased again, beating pre-Pandemic levels to reach 51%. The progress being made by our students is among the strongest in the country.
Our digital prospectus is an exciting new addition to Holy Cross for the 2025/26 academic year.
Each student can completely personalise their own digital prospectus based on the subjects they are interested in or want to know more about (listed opposite).
Parents and carers can also register to create their own digital prospectus to explore the wide range of courses we offer here at Holy Cross.
Once complete, the student will receive their own individual link to their personalised prospectus – handy
studied at Holy Cross: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology
for sharing their prospectus with family and friends. Changed your mind about a certain course? You can return to your personalised prospectus as many times as you want to make any changes – it is unique to you.
All this in just a few clicks.
You will find QR codes throughout this prospectus – when scanned, you’ll be taken straight to our digital prospectus page to start building and personalising your prospectus, your way.
“There’s a big part of me that attributes that output to the time I spent at Holy Cross, for sure”
He said: “I really enjoy being a doctor in the NHS, but I’ve also been really privileged to travel a lot in a humanitarian capacity. It’s difficult work, but I feel privileged to get stuck into some really difficult situations abroad.
Matthew Newport was invited to Buckingham Palace in February 2025 to receive the Humanitarian Medal from King Charles.
The medal, which was first introduced in 2023, recognises the service of people who work to support human welfare during or in the aftermath of a crisis.
Matthew, who works at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, was deployed to Gaza five times over 12 months by the UK-Med charity as part of the UK Government’s humanitarian response to the Israel/Gaza crisis.
“I was hugely honoured to be invited to get the Humanitarian Medal, presented by King Charles. The ability to go from being a younger man to being at Buckingham Palace, having been away for a year in really difficult circumstances – there’s a big part of me that attributes that output to the time I spent at Holy Cross, for sure.
“The staff here see thousands of students, but they take the time to treat you as an individual, to understand where you’re coming from, where you could go and set you on the right path. I look back at my time at Holy Cross very positively and very fondly.”
The Excellence Programme aims to take care of your future. Whatever your interests, you will be valued as an individual and offered a range of activities to help you to reach your potential.
At Holy Cross, we are justifiably proud of our reputation for academic excellence, developing those who aim for the most competitive universities, including Oxbridge, The Russell Group and high tariff universities.
We also support students who apply for competitive courses such as Law, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science, which require bespoke support for aptitude tests and work experience.
The Excellence Programme has three strands: MDV (Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science), STEM and Humanities
The Excellence curriculum for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science (MDV) has three stages:
• Entry criteria and alternative routes
Students are introduced to the criteria needed to apply for an MDV degree.
• Ethics and skills
Students are introduced to the pillars of ethics and core skills required for the courses. This leads into scenario-based learning that reflects on the controversial medical topics they may encounter as a clinical professional.
• Application
Finally, students review aptitude tests, begin to complete their UCAS statement and prepare a competitive Personal Statement linked to their work experience.
The Excellence curriculum for STEM and Humanities has three stages:
• Research
During the research phase students are introduced to the Russell Group and Sutton 30 Universities and how to choose courses.
• Skills preparation
This then moves into skills preparation where students have 1-1 discussions about their subjects and prepare for course specific seminars.
• Application
Finally, students review aptitude tests, begin to complete their UCAS statement, and prepare a competitive Personal Statement.
Excellence Classes
The Excellence Classes outlined above are designed to help students develop high level thinking, reading and communication skills.
The sessions will also guide students in their supercurricular reading and in gaining awareness of key issues, concepts and debates related to their areas of intended work and study.
Students will also learn how to excel in their UCAS application, admissions tests – such as the Law National Aptitude Test (LNAT), University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), and Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) – and at their interview.
We encourage students to take up an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which allows them to develop key independent study and research skills. This qualification is highly regarded by universities and employers.
By taking part in the Excellence programme, extension groups and super-curricular activities, students will stretch their learning and develop a deeper love for their subjects.
Holy Cross College has something to offer all students – get involved, join a group and lay the foundations for a fantastic future.
“… students … achieve successfully and progress to positive destinations. These include universities, drama schools and degree apprenticeships.”
(Ofsted, March 2024)
We have a whole-college approach to Careers at Holy Cross College, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive Careers programme, which has received external accreditation.
Careers staff will ensure you have access to information and guidance to support your career planning, aspirations and transition. They do this in conjunction with curriculum teachers, Progress Tutors, and with support from Positive Steps.
Throughout your time in college, you will receive lots of Careers information via:
• Your weekly tutorial sessions
• Assemblies
• 1:1 interviews
• Presentations
• Unifrog
• Weekly Careers newsletter
• Our bespoke Careers booklet
But that’s not all! There will also be presentations, talks, workshops and visits in conjunction with your subjects.
All Lower Sixth students attend the UCAS exhibition in Manchester and all Upper Sixth students will attend a Careers fair in college.
The Careers resource area also has IT facilities and information for you to use relating to universities, apprenticeships, student finance and CV development.
Careers: Work Experience
Holy Cross College encourages students to pursue gaining insights into the world of work and having workrelated learning experiences, such as work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience.
Some experiences of workplaces are facilitated as part of curriculum learning through subject trips and visits, raising both career aspirations and awareness.
Employer encounters, both inside and outside of the college environment, are facilitated throughout the year, organised by curriculum staff and the Careers team.
Work experience is a fantastic way to develop an understanding of a specific job role – and the skills required for this role – and is especially relevant for students considering a vocational course such as:
• Veterinary Science
• Dentistry
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Teaching
We have a dedicated Work Experience Co-ordinator in college who can support and signpost you to relevant in-person and virtual work experience opportunities based on your preferred career path.
“Students receive regular, high quality and impartial Careers education, information, advice and guidance throughout their time at the college.”
(Ofsted, March 2024)
We want you to have an experience of gaining good qualifications here and progressing onto the next stage in a timely way.
We offer advice and guidance at your application, interview and again at your enrolment. We will only enrol you onto a course where you meet the entry criteria and where we believe you will be successful.
If you are already aware of a challenge or difficulty, please inform us of this. It will not impact on the offer we make – we will simply be better placed to help you when you begin your course.
Many students receive support here at Holy Cross in a great number of ways, all of which are discreet and bespoke to their needs.
We genuinely care about each individual student who joins us, and we will do all we can to support them.
All Holy Cross students take one 45-minute lesson of Core RE a week. The course covers a wide range of topics, always with the idea of helping you discover more about yourself, the world around you, your faith and the faith of others.
Why do we do RE?
• To help you understand and express your own beliefs and world view, and to listen and respond appropriately to views different to your own.
• To have an opportunity to have your voice heard and your identity represented in our community.
• To share our college values of Faith, Compassion, Humility, Service, Daring, Vision and Joy. Why is it compulsory?
Success is not simply measured by the grades you leave with at the end of your time at Holy Cross.
We have a duty to develop you as a whole person so this includes not only intellectually, but also socially, morally, spiritually and emotionally. RE is one of the ways we do this.
You will gain a tremendous amount from Holy Cross over your time with us – engaging in RE is one of the ways you can contribute back to the community here.
What will I gain from RE?
RE is the one lesson in the week where you can simply be yourself without the focus on your progress or academic abilities. Because of this, you should become more confident in your own beliefs and ideas.
You will also develop important life skills such as critical thinking, debate, interpersonal skills, responsibility, empathy and respect. Everyone has something to contribute to RE and you might be surprised how much you’ll gain.
“Students understand how to be responsible, caring and active citizens. They make a positive difference in their communities.”
(Ofsted, March 2024)
What Enrichment groups are there in the RE Department?
• 4C (College Community for Charities and Campaigns)
• Chaplaincy groups
• Faith Ambassadors
• Prism (LGBTQ+ with allies)
What do our students think about Core RE?
“I love RE! I’m sure there is something in each lesson that at least one person can benefit from and because of that, these lessons have been brilliant for me.”
“RE is such an enjoyable course that has challenged my opinions on many social and religious issues and has developed my debate and listening skills greatly. Thank you, Holy Cross!”
“Thank you to the RE team for being so approachable and offering opportunities such as the 4C Group. The Children’s Christmas party is one of my favourite memories of Holy Cross.”
Subjects studied at Holy Cross: Physics, Maths, Economics (2024-present)
“We have one lesson of RE each week and they’re nothing like you would think. They’re not designed to constantly teach you about the Catholic faith, it’s very diverse.
“They talk about all different faiths and sometimes your RE lesson isn’t even about faith or religion. It’s just about living, what it means to you and how you can make decisions for yourself, even if they’re not faith related. I really enjoy RE.”
Scan the QR code to watch Feeza’s YouTube video
Our Holy Cross Chaplaincy exists to serve our students and staff – and witnesses to our Mission Statement –to provide the opportunity for each person to develop spiritually, morally, intellectually and emotionally.
By living out this mission, the Chaplaincy supports the whole college community, welcoming and showing love to all students and staff of all faiths and to those of none.
There are also opportunities for students to explore and develop their faith, through the Prayer and Liturgy opportunities offered by the Chaplaincy.
Through involvement in the Chaplaincy, our students can get involved in charity and outreach work, seeking to put our college values of Humility and Service into action, not only in our own community but locally, nationally, and worldwide.
The Chaplaincy provides:
• Full-time Lay Chaplain available to offer spiritual and pastoral care
• College Chapel open daily for personal prayer & reflection
• Chaplaincy Office providing a welcoming, social and safe place for all
• Daily morning prayer in the Chapel
• Monthly feast day masses
• Monthly themed Liturgy/Prayer service
• Multi-Faith room available for those of other faiths who wish to pray at lunch times
• Annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, a chance for our students to volunteer in assisting sick and elderly pilgrims
• Mindfulness and meditation sessions
• Staff and student retreats
• Liturgical year assemblies
• 4C (College Community for Charities and Campaigns)
• SVP Community Volunteering Group
• Eco Group
• Student Prayer and Liturgy Group
• Faith Ambassadors Group
• Spectrum Bereavement Support Group
In keeping with the mission and ethos of Holy Cross, pastoral care is a major priority for us. We aim to provide a safe and secure environment in which you can study and thrive.
We have a strong commitment to value each person as an individual and to enable all our students to maximise their potential during their time with us.
We welcome applications from students with a diverse range of learning needs. You will have a specialist Progress Tutor, who will monitor your progress, and our dedicated Learning Support team is there to support you if you ever have any difficulties during your time at college.
“Students say that everyone supports and respects each other and that they feel safe.”
(Ofsted, March 2024)
Your academic progress will be discussed regularly with your teachers. The individual action plans developed from these discussions give you and your parents or carers valuable information about what you need to do to achieve your full potential
Our relationship with parents and carers plays an important part in our students’ success. Our Connect portal holds information on a student’s timetable and attendance, progress grades, exam results and detailed Careers advice. This information can be accessed online by parents and carers at their convenience.
We offer a confidential Counselling service which is available to discuss more personal matters, as well as a dedicated Wellbeing Officer, who can support students with a variety of wellbeing needs.
The college has strong links with outside agencies that can offer additional help and guidance to students as appropriate.
We recognise our responsibilities regarding the protection of young people. We are fully committed to acting in accordance with our legal duty to protect all members of our college community and to keep them safe.
Full details of the policy can be found on the college website (holycross.ac.uk) or by writing to the Assistant Principal (Students).
Our Learning Support team has experience of working with students with a wide range of disabilities and other support needs.
The support and resources available are negotiated on an individual basis, to meet your needs in the best possible way.
Please contact us (page 21) to discuss how our team could help you.
Holy Cross Library is a fantastic learning space, situated on the top floor of the Mary Kelly building. It has a wideranging collection of materials to support you in your studies, including books to support your curriculum needs plus an excellent fiction collection for leisure reading.
We also provide 24/7 access to e-resources which includes eBooks – these are available to you whether you are on site or at home.
Our Library has a number of study areas available to suit differing learning needs, such as group study tables, quiet study cubicles and bookable rooms for project work.
We are open five days a week, including until 8.00pm Tuesday – Thursday during term-time.
Our facilities include:
• PC and Wi-Fi access
• Charging points for mobile devices
• Laptop loans
• Printing and photocopying
• Stationery for sale
Please refer to the college website (holycross.ac.uk) regarding information on student dress code.
We are a no-smoking/vaping college and smoking/ vaping is not permitted inside or around the immediate perimeter of the college buildings.
“Leaders ensure that social disadvantage is not a barrier to students’ success.”
(Ofsted, March 2024)
We welcome applications from students of all faiths and those of none. As a result, we have a wonderfully diverse student population.
It is very important to choose the right subjects for you, to give you the best chance of gaining access to the next stage of your career when you leave Holy Cross.
Ready to research and choose your subjects? Scan the QR code to read our advice
How our Admissions process works
At Holy Cross, we are looking for commitment, passion and hard work from our student applicants.
We try to keep our GCSE tariff as welcoming as we possibly can for the courses we offer, and specific entry requirements for each subject are available on our website in our ‘Courses’ section (holycross.ac.uk)
Offers of a place are always Conditional on whether you meet these entry requirements and a supportive and satisfactory reference from your school.
There are three main steps to Admissions here at Holy Cross:
Step 1: Application form
Applications are completed online via our website. Applications open from early October each year before closing in early December
We strongly advise students to complete their application by the deadline – this is the only way to guarantee an interview.
Ensure you take your time to complete your application thoroughly, and use this opportunity to impress us!
Scan the QR code for our top tips to help with your application form
Remember – first impressions count.
Please also ensure you supply an email address and mobile number which you have regular access to, as we will contact you about your application using email and text messages.
Our interviews take place from November onwards, and they are designed for students to discuss their chosen courses and their application in general.
The interview will be on a one-to-one basis and conducted online using Microsoft Teams. Further information about this will be provided before your interview.
Offers of places to study at Holy Cross will be made once we have interviewed all students who applied by our closing date, and this usually takes place before the February half term break.
Places are Conditional on whether you meet the entry requirements for your chosen subjects, and a supportive and satisfactory reference from your school.
In offering places, we consider the following:
• Your online application form (Step 1)
• Discussions at interview (Step 2)
• A reference from your school
• The date we receive the application form, if it arrives after the closing date
• Our Admissions Policy (available at holycross.ac.uk)
Late applications
We strongly encourage applications to be submitted by the December deadline.
Students can still apply after the December deadline in the same way (Step 1) but late applications must be accompanied by an email (from the student, not a parent or carer) to explain the detailed reasons for the late submission.
Late application emails should be sent to admissions@ holycross.ac.uk
Please note: Without this accompanying email, all late applications will be placed on a Waiting List.
If the Admissions Team consider there to be good reasons for the late submission, an interview might be offered, but this will be determined by the demand for places for that September’s cohort.
“The majority of students achieve higher than expected grades.” (Ofsted, March 2024)
“The vibe is very helpful and caring; everyone looks out for each other”
Subjects studied at Holy Cross: Spanish, Law, Politics (2024-present)
“I know I’ve made the right decision coming to Holy Cross – it’s a brilliant college to be a part of and an amazing place to be.
“The transition from school to college was smooth. Although I was nervous at the beginning, the induction sessions really helped me develop my friendship group. The vibe is very helpful and caring; everyone looks out for each other.
“The staff are so supportive with what you want to do, they’re not forcing you to follow a particular path and help you to keep your options open.
“The faith element of the college was important to me, as my faith has been a big part of my life. I’ve got friends from other faiths and friends from no faith; everyone comes together really well and it’s good to have such a diverse mix of people here.”
Scan the QR code to watch Grace’s YouTube video
Scan the QR code to watch James’ YouTube video
“My teachers have been so supportive. I’ve got a place at KPMG when I finish at Holy Cross”
Subjects studied at Holy Cross: Accounting, Business, Criminology (2023-2025)
“There was a college closer to where I live, but within the first week of being at Holy Cross, I just knew this was the right place for me. It was just incredible.
“The lessons are so friendly and interactive, and the staff put you forward for all the opportunities available as part of your chosen courses. Accounting apprenticeships were recommended to me which I applied for, and I’ve got a place at KPMG when I finish at Holy Cross.
“My teachers have been so supportive – as soon as I was accepted onto my apprenticeship, they put me into extra sessions to ensure I got to the grades and thresholds I needed. They were really happy for me and enthusiastic about my future.
“I don’t follow any faith, but by doing Core RE (page 9), you get lots of insights and perspectives from different people and their faiths, and I know this will really help me in the workplace. I think it’s just an amazing culture
“I’ve definitely changed so much. I’ve become more confident and my communication skills have improved because of interacting with more people in such a positive, welcoming place.”
Enrichment is a very important part of your education at Holy Cross and there are many activities, events and excursions for you to take part in throughout your time here.
These opportunities help you to develop as a person, broadening your skills, knowledge and understanding. Many of them introduce you to the worlds of work and further study, and taking part in them will help to make you more attractive to universities and future employers.
All our Enrichment activities help you to learn about yourself – what do you enjoy and what are you good at?
Enrichment widens your understanding beyond the courses you are studying and is key to being part of the Holy Cross community. We aim to make every activity accessible and affordable to all
How do I get involved?
All students are expected to do at least six hours of Enrichment in each academic year, although in practice, many do a lot more.
As part of your college induction, you will be introduced to the Enrichment programme for the year ahead, so you can choose the things you would like to be involved in and plan your time effectively.
Some examples of recent Enrichment opportunities include:
Events and visits:
• Business Means Business – talks and workshops delivered by various companies related to careers in Business and Finance
• Progression Day – talks and workshops delivered to Lower Sixth students from a variety of sectors (70+ speakers joined us for our 2025 Progression Day)
• University Open Days and Taster Days
• Visits by local MPs and members of the House of Lords
• Workshop with the Royal Exchange Youth Company
• Performing Arts Residential Visit (London)
• Visit to Shrewsbury Prison
• Visits to Home Cinema
• Visits to museums and galleries
Activities in College:
• Various Book/Reading Groups
• Chess Club
• Debate Club
• Case Files (run by Criminology)
• The Collective – our own student-based Art & Design Company (see page 18)
• The College Production
• Various competitive sports teams
• Recreational sports
• Duke of Edinburgh (DofE)
• Student Representative Council (SRC)
…and many more!
“College provides a very broad and varied range of enrichment and extracurricular activities. These activities and events support students to develop their character, resilience and curiosity about the world around them.”
(Ofsted, March 2024)
At Holy Cross we are proud to have one of the best reputations in the North West for Sports and the Arts.
Sport
We have a very strong sporting reputation here at Holy Cross. Our sporting teams and individuals consistently achieve a high degree of success in a variety of sports, both at a competitive and/or recreational level.
Team and Recreational Sports
Our students have represented Holy Cross in team sports at local, regional and national levels, including:
• Football
• Netball
• Rugby
• Cross Country
• Hockey
• Volleyball
• Athletics
• Golf
Wednesday afternoons are timetabled for those taking part in sport and we enter a large number of competitions through our affiliation to the North West Colleges Sports Leagues (NWCSL), the Association of Colleges (AOC) National Championships and sporting governing bodies.
We also offer a variety of recreational sports every lunchtime, from basketball to badminton, football to cricket. Any student from any subject is welcome to attend team or recreational activities.
Sports Scholarships
Students who excel in their sport are encouraged to gain selection for county or national teams. For any student competing at this level or higher, there is a Sports Scholarship scheme providing some financial and timetabling assistance to meet individual needs.
Supporting your future
Sport will also strengthen and enrich your personal statement. It illustrates to university admissions departments and prospective employers that you have some of the qualities they are looking for, including:
• Physical resilience
• Good health
• Teamwork
• Commitment and a sense of purpose
• Passion and enthusiasm
It is ideas that have stood front and centre in the recent history of Art and Design.
Art and Design at Holy Cross mirrors this, as students are encouraged to explore a diverse range of sources, generating practical work where ideas are developed in Art & Design, Graphics, Photography or Textiles.
These disciplines can be life-affirming, life-changing, teachable, learnable, intellectual and an unbelievably exciting way to look at the world.
Students find the most inventive, personal and innovative approaches to making artwork, taking ownership of the creative process, solving problems and arriving at a place often beyond their expectations.
Art & Design is celebrated in and around the college, as well as in the huge final exhibition which is held off site in the summer term. For more details, please visit hccart.co.uk
To find out more about Art & Design, Graphics, Photography and Textiles, scan the QR code to add them to your digital prospectus
As a department we believe it is critical for our students to develop their skills to help prepare them for a career within the creative industry.
We launched ‘The Collective Project’ in 2017 as a space, platform and opportunity for our students to further develop and share creative practice
The Collective is an eclectic group of inspired young artists and designers at Holy Cross who have been involved in exploring and creatively responding to an ambitious array of topics.
Since its inception, more than 300 students have contributed to the programme and today it has grown to be an exemplary demonstration of student initiative and capability.
Now operating as a self-run, highly developed organisation, our students are putting their skills as artists and designers into practice.
Since 2017, and as The Collective, we are proud to have:
• Held exhibitions attended by thousands of people
• Distributed more than 7,000 publications
• Raised more than £8,000 as a successful business to fund our creative endeavours
For more information, please visit hcccollective.co.uk
We are a close-knit family of subjects that offer a lively and exciting Enrichment programme to support our students and offer them a wide variety of extended performance opportunities.
Over the past few years, alongside Dance and Christmas Evenings and our ever-popular Live Music Nights, we have staged: Musicals
• Guys & Dolls
• Oliver!
• Sweet Charity
• Little Shop of Horrors Operas
• Requiem
• L’enfant et les Sortilèges
We stage most of our public performances in our impressive Main Hall.
We seize opportunities for our students to perform within our local community, with performances at:
• The Lowry Theatre
• The Met, Bury
• Ramsbottom Music Festival
• Manchester Markets (Carol Singing)
• Glaston-Bury (band performances)
The Performing Arts Department
Staff in the department have a variety of industry expertise to help you develop your performance technique, and there is plenty of direct support to prepare you for future auditions.
We have a Director of Music who organises our thriving choir of more than 40 students, and Chamber Choir which meets weekly. We also have a Choral Scholarship programme for our most ambitious singers.
In addition to this, we offer instrumental and voice lessons with a dedicated team of professional musicians.
We also run weekly rehearsals with the orchestra, jazz band and guitar ensemble, a biennial music tour (previous trips have included Paris and Freiburg) and an annual Performing Arts residential trip to London.
The Performing Arts department also houses:
• Drama Studio
• Dance Studio
• Recording and Mixing Studio
• Five Music Rehearsal rooms
Is working behind the scenes more for you?
If you’d prefer to develop skills as a theatre or sound technician, there are opportunities to work with industry-standard lighting and sound equipment.
You don’t have to study Performing Arts subjects to take part in the many cultural activities available at Holy Cross – they are open to all.
We just ask for determination, enthusiasm and a cando attitude!
Subjects studied at Holy Cross: Drama and Theatre Studies, Music Technology, Law (2017-2019)
Early in 2025, Kiara became the first recipient of the ITV Tony Warren Bursary to go on and join the cast of Coronation Street.
The Tony Warren bursary was created in recognition of Tony Warren’s contribution to ground-breaking British television and creative writing, which helped put Greater Manchester on the cultural map.
The bursary aims to not only foster acting talent from the North West, but also to provide financial means to eligible recipients from underrepresented backgrounds, allowing them to support themselves throughout their acting training.
Kiara was supported every step of the way to drama school by Holy Cross staff. She was accepted into four different drama schools before choosing to enrol at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA).
“Without Holy Cross, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now”
She said: “Without Holy Cross, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now – I recommend this college to anyone, it’s amazing.
“I was shocked at how difficult it was to get into drama school. I remember contacting Jennie (Fairclough, Curriculum Leader for Performing Arts) about it and asking for help with my auditioning – I ended up getting into four different drama schools
“I received a scholarship for LAMDA thanks to the Tony Warren bursary – the Casting Director told me I was the first bursary award winner to actually be in Coronation Street. It all felt right and very fitting.
“I loved doing Drama here, it was an amazing course and I really grew in confidence. It makes you come out of your shell, and I gained lifelong friends from that course. I met amazing teachers, and we still keep in touch.
“This is the best place for you to ask for help and learn who you are as a person.”
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Holy Cross Sixth Form College
Manchester Road
Bury BL9 9BB
General Enquiries
Tel: 0161 762 4500
Email: information@holycross.ac.uk
Principal: Ms Carina Vitti
Email: jmo@holycross.ac.uk
Admissions
Tel: 0161 762 4510
Email: admissions@holycross.ac.uk
University Centre
Tel: 0161 762 4513
Email: uc@holycross.ac.uk
Student Centre
Tel: 0161 762 4523
Email: studentservices@holycross.ac.uk
Examinations
Tel: 0161 762 4525
Email: exams@holycross.ac.uk
Careers
Tel: 0161 762 4536
Email: careersadvice@holycross.ac.uk
Tel: 0161 762 4500
Email: information@holycross.ac.uk
www.holycross.ac.uk
Holy Cross College is very close to Bury town centre and approximately half a mile from the bus and Metrolink station, providing access to all nearby towns and to central Manchester.
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