Awarded the Character Quality Distinction
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College Achieves National Character Education Award
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College has made history by becoming the first UK sixth form college to receive the prestigious School of Character Quality Mark Award. The award, given by the Association of Character Education, recognises schools that excel in character education, focusing on the development of students' virtues and qualities alongside academic achievement.
The college's achievement was made possible by meeting the rigorous criteria set by the Association of Character Education. This likely involved demonstrating a whole-school commitment to character development and embedding it into all aspects of school life.
The Stella Maris program at Notre Dame, a central vehicle to the development of character within the college, was particularly commended. The program positively reinforces the college's virtues on a regular basis, contributing to the high quality teaching, mutually respectful relationships, and value-driven personal development program at Notre Dame.
The report also commended the student executive team at Notre Dame, particularly in relation to the leadership opportunities they have created. The dedication and gratitude shown by the team were of particular note. Catherine Herring, a member of Notre Dame, received special recognition in the report for the college's award.
The Principal of Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, Justine Barlow, expressed pride in receiving the School of Character Quality Mark Award. She said, "This award endorses Notre Dame's commitment to developing virtues and values in students and staff."
The full report on Notre Dame's School of Character Quality Mark Award can be viewed online. It provides a detailed insight into the college's character education program and the positive outcomes in students’ personal development.
In September 2023, Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College was awarded the School of Character Quality Mark Award. This honour signifies Notre Dame's pioneering role in embedding character quality at the sixth form level within the UK. Similar institutions that have received this award have shown evidence of comprehensive character education programs and positive outcomes in students’ personal development.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College's character education program, focusing on both academic achievement and personal growth, aligns with the principles of education-and-self-development and personal-growth. Their dedication to character development, evident in the Stella Maris program and student executive team, fosters a learning environment that encourages mutual respect, value-driven decision-making, and continuous self-improvement.
