Is further education your goal? Newham Sixth Form College or NewVIc could be your launchpad. NewVIc stands in the East London borough of Newham. It sits on Prince Regent Lane in Plaistow. This college is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a place of opportunity.
NewVIc opened in 1992. It was created to serve Newham students. These students wanted to continue their education beyond GCSEs. The college caters to students aged 16 to 19. Its curriculum is broad. It includes A-levels. It also features specialist pathway programs. These programs cover levels 2 and 3 vocational studies. Foundation level and ESOL programs are also available.
NewVIc started with 750 students. By the 2002 to 2003 year student numbers exceeded 2000. In 2009 to 2010 they had more than 2500. NewVIc has a rich history.
Before NewVIc a school existed here. In 1926 Plaistow Secondary School opened. It became Plaistow Grammar School in 1945. In 1972 it merged with Faraday Secondary Modern School. Together they formed Cumberland Comprehensive School. When Cumberland moved Newham created NewVIc.
Sid Hughes led the college from 1991 to 2008. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. The University of East London gave him an honorary degree when he retired. Eddie Playfair was principal from 2008 to spring 2018. Mandeep Gill took over in 2018. Jamie Purser became principal on January 1 2025.
In October 2024 NewVIc merged with Newham College of Further Education. The goal was to provide education to more students in Newham. This benefits over 12000 students. NewVIc had declined becoming the only sixth form college with Ofsted’s lowest rating.
NewVIc offers a range of programs. These include A-levels and an Honours program. Specialist pathways and vocational programs are available. Foundation and ESOL programs are also offered.
NewVIc once sent more disadvantaged students to university than any other sixth form in England. In 2012 the Sutton Trust ranked NewVIc in the top 5% of high-performing sixth forms. This ranking recognized the college’s success in helping disadvantaged students progress to university.
NewVIc invested £6 million in a new building. It has a new reception area. There is also a theater and a cafe.
NewVIc’s Sports Academy has Sports Leadership status. Sports Leaders UK gave this accreditation. The college received £70000 from Sport England. The FE Activation Fund supported increased capacity. There was a focus on disability provision and leadership. This funding has resulted in success for several sports including cricket.
In 2019 NewVIc achieved its best results. More students achieved high grades in A Levels. Over 50% of BTEC students achieved Triple Distinction* in Level 3 Extended Diplomas. Ofsted graded the college as ‘Good’ overall. It recognized ‘Outstanding’ provision for Personal Development, Welfare and Behavior in January 2019.
NewVIc is a friendly community. It is diverse and inclusive. The college supports all kinds of extraordinary ambitions. NewVIc offers tailored support. It ensures students have everything they need to flourish.
Alumni stories inspire. Students make friends from all walks of life. They have chances to do fun things. They are presented on stages they never imagined.
NewVIc is more than a college. It’s a place where futures begin. It is a testament to the power of education. It is a beacon of hope in East London.