Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College

I am extremely disappointed with Newman High School’s approach to Year 11 students and the organisation of the Prom — the only event that symbolically marks the end of their school journey and their transition into adulthood.

The school requires a non-refundable payment, while explicitly stating that attendance is not guaranteed, reserving the right to exclude students based on a so-called “behaviour record.” This places parents in an unacceptable position: paying for an event without any certainty that their child will actually be allowed to attend.

What is particularly concerning is that in practice, “behaviour” is often judged on appearance-related issues such as eyelashes, nails, footwear, trousers, or skirt length. It appears far easier to issue behaviour points for visual compliance than to genuinely focus on academic progress, learning outcomes, or meaningful pastoral support.

Prom is not a luxury reward. It is a significant social milestone that:
• supports confidence and self-esteem,
• develops social and interpersonal skills,
• strengthens a sense of belonging,
• allows students to close an important chapter of their lives with dignity.

This level of control and uncertainty does not support young people’s mental or emotional wellbeing. On the contrary, it risks damaging it. As a parent, I find it deeply worrying that policies like this may undermine students’ confidence rather than help them grow into secure, resilient adults.

If the school’s aim is to develop responsible young people, it should guide and support rather than intimidate, and it should clearly separate behavioural management from inclusive, once-in-a-lifetime school events.

This letter and the policy behind it raise serious concerns. Parents deserve transparency, and students deserve respect.

I attended Cardinal Newman Catholic School and, unfortunately, my experience was far from what I expected. One of the biggest issues I faced was the bullying. It was something I had to deal with on a regular basis, and I felt like the school didn’t provide adequate support or take it seriously. I never felt safe, and I believe the school could have done much more to create a positive and inclusive environment.

The atmosphere felt unwelcoming, and the lack of effective intervention from staff left me feeling isolated and unheard. In addition, while the school may have some positive aspects on paper, the reality of my time there was filled with frustration and disappointment. It’s important to note that a school's role is not just about academics, but also ensuring that every student feels respected and protected. Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience.

I hope the school takes this feedback into consideration and makes improvements to ensure that future students don’t have to face the same struggles I did.

The children there are terrible and the staff are very rude and have given me and my child a terrible experience. From the unacceptable lunches to the bad education I have been left shocked at cardinal Newman and offstead for lying to the public about the inaccurate reviews. This school is not recommended by me.

Bias teachers unfair treatment between boys and girls