Academic achievement is among our greatest strengths, but equally important is breadth of experience. Every student follows courses in living skills and mobility and can chooses from a rich variety of outdoor and leisure activities in order to develop individual interests. We hope that by the time they leave New College, our students will have developed their individual interests and will feel a sense of confidence rooted in their achievements. Religious education forms part of the curriculum, whilst assemblies help stimulate reflection on a range of themes. The school values and takes into account pupils' different cultural and religious backgrounds.
Students take on average nine GCSEs and three, sometimes four 'A' levels.
Drama and public speaking skills help students' confidence. There is a major production every year and a lower school drama festival at Easter. Group music lessons are given in Years 7 to 9 and braille music is taught to students who wish to specialise. There are to choirs, an orchestra, wind and string bands and opportunities for individual tuition in an ever increasing range of instruments. A recent government inspection pointed out the excellence of our examination results and how high these are in relation to national standards.