What Makes Us Special?

Seven Reasons / Holy Cross College

1. A college to be HAPPY in

Do you want to go for the very best, to aim high, and to study with others who are also aiming high?

Do you want a college with a happy and positive atmosphere, which is really friendly and safe, and where standards of behaviour are excellent, with motivated and well behaved students?

Do you want an exciting new stage in your life, with more freedom and responsibility?

Whatever you are looking for, the most important thing is to find a college that is right for you, where you will be happy.

Small enough for you to be known as an individual. Big enough, and experienced enough, for you to have an excellent range of choices, excellent teaching, support and guidance.

2. A college of EXCELLENCE

All colleges have their success stories, individuals or particular years that have been very successful.

A great college is one that has consistently sent large numbers of students into Medicine, Oxford and Cambridge, the Russell Group of Universities, the Arts, Sport, and also helped thousands of students to fulfil their potential.

Individual colleges sometimes publish their own league tables with themselves at the top. Do a bit of digging before you believe those!

It is easy for colleges to choose one thing they’re very good at, ignore things they’re not so good at, and make their own league table. Get a wider, fuller, more national view.

Our excellent discipline, teaching and huge percentage of fellow students with the very highest grades, will encourage you in turn to aim high, and ensure you are surrounded by purposeful, motivated students.

If you value academic excellence – and particularly Excellence in Teaching & Learning – and if you are a person who would thrive in a studious, purposeful atmosphere – Holy Cross could be the right place for you.

We have a University Centre here, too, with over 500 students – mostly taking Honours degrees, studied in their entirety here on our campus.

3. A college of CREATIVITY

The reputation of Holy Cross in Drama is second to none.

Whether it's academic Theatre, Dance or musical theatre that interests you, you will be taught by some of the most gifted drama teachers around, delivering professional standard pieces of theatre that see audiences returning year after year.

In Music, our expertise is exceptional too. If you are musical, you will appreciate what a department must be like that sustains an orchestra, chamber choir (with Choral Scholarships), wider choir, jazz ensemble, other ensembles, an annual musical, a biennial opera, and a regular choir and instrumental tour in Europe.

We believe we have one of the largest and best college Art departments in the country, with cutting edge, extensive facilities, and some of the most creative and brilliant staff you are ever likely to meet.

You will get the chance to share ideas with a wide range of students, in a highly successful department with nationally outstanding results.

4. A college of EXPERT GUIDANCE

Our university and careers department was one of the first in Greater Manchester to win the Gold Award for Inspiring IAG (Information, Advice and Guidance).

In applying to UCAS, writing personal statements, mock interviews, building up an excellent work experience portfolio, we tailor advice to the individual.

Our Academic Champion is at the service of all students aiming to develop their academic and interview skills and apply to the most competitive universities such as the Russell Group.

We have a specialist and highly successful Medics and Vets Group, and an Excellence Programme which offers all students huge opportunities to enrich and stretch their learning beyond the syllabus, developing 'cultural capital'.

At Holy Cross you will find the vast majority of students are aiming high and are hugely committed.

So if you are the sort of person that benefits from being among other seriously motivated and high achieving students, then this is the place to come.

5. A college of SUPPORT & CARE

At Holy Cross every student has their own Progress Tutor to help them to focus and achieve, and to ensure outstanding pastoral care.

Each student has the benefit of one-to-one support and guidance, as well as invaluable Skills Development sessions.

There is also expert guidance via all your academic staff on a regular basis to maximise your success.

An excellent Safeguarding and Counselling team are also on hand to help with any problems or anxieties: we believe that whatever your challenges in the past, you will grow in confidence and success with the right support.

We also run a ‘Progression Year' – for students of potential, who for various reasons just fall short of our Level 3 entry requirements.

After an initial catch-up year, students can progress to Advanced Level courses. So, if things don’t work out initially, still get in touch with us at admissions@holycross.ac.uk

6. A college of SPORT & ENRICHMENT

Holy Cross greatly values Sport and we offer a huge number of opportunities to take part in team sport. Talented students are encouraged and supported in various ways.

Our Sports Scholarships have been extremely useful to many students to help with training expenses.

Sport is recognised and honoured here, as a huge part of what we are. There is also a wide menu of other Enrichment activities and trips.

In subject areas, in our summer Enrichment week and at other times, we offer you exciting extra-curricular opportunities to broaden your experience and interests, and promote responsibility, leadership and fun.

7. A college of TRADITION & INNOVATION

Holy Cross has history. Founded in 1878 by the Daughters of the Cross of Liège, we have retained many interesting buildings from our earlier days alongside some stunning new buildings made of traditional materials.

The beauty of brick, stone, stained glass, marble and elaborate carving is a genuine reason some students join us, and the beauty of our chapel is particularly admired.

Finally, and perhaps most important of all, is the tradition we have inherited from our founders, the Daughters of the Cross of Liege.

As a Catholic College for the Community, we treasure the caring ethos that they taught us so well. The respect we have for all faiths and philosophies means that this is a great place to develop your ideas and beliefs.

It is a place of understanding and dialogue, where you can be assured of a warm welcome whatever your background or tradition.