Sixteen of Garstang Community Academy’s highest‑achieving students spent today exploring the exceptional opportunities offered through the Cardinal Newman College Honours Programme, gaining first‑hand insight into what their future pathways could look like.

Throughout the visit, students learned about the wide range of academic and enrichment opportunities available to high‑performing students, including:

  • Access to the prestigious Cambridge University HE+ Programme, designed to stretch and challenge the most able learners.
  • Tailored support for competitive university applications, including Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry, Law, Maths and other high‑demand subjects.
  • The chance to study an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), enabling students to pursue an area of personal academic interest in depth.
  • A bespoke Achievement Tutor Programme, offering personalised guidance and academic mentoring.
  • Opportunities to study AS Level courses alongside their main programme.
  • Entry to the Futures Programme, which includes pathways such as Future Teachers, Future Health and Future Engineers.

Students were also able to explore the college campus, meet staff, and try out some of the subjects they have applied forgiving them a real feel for life as a Cardinal Newman student.

Staff and student reflections:

Careers Adviser Mrs Askew said:

“It was a great opportunity to see just what those high grades can unlock. The opportunities that the Honours Programme offers can really make the difference when applying to prestigious universities or sought‑after apprenticeships.”

One student reflected on the impact of the day:

“It was such an insightful learning experience. I found out more about the EPQ and I’m already thinking about what my project could be about. I really did feel like a college student today.”