CARDINAL NEWMAN COLLEGE prides itself on being a "community" and its 237 part and full-time staff are made to feel a vital part of it. Employees at the Catholic sixth-form college in Preston city centre say their manager pats them on the back when they do a good job (75% positive and the fourth best score among small organisations) and people in their team go out of their way to help each other (80%, the second best score). As well as believing they can contribute to the success of the college (80%), staff feel colleagues care about each other (83% and a top score) and consequently students are benefiting from a great service (87%). Located in the diocese of Lancaster, the college takes in pupils from the diocese of Salford and the archdiocese of Liverpool. Its focus is on full-time students aged 16-18, but it also offers a range of part-time courses for about 100 adults. Its performance at A-level over the past three years ranks it as the eighth best sixth-form college in the country, according to Sunday Times Parent Power league tables — a tribute to staff, who see their job as an important part of their life (78%), a key part of who they are (76%) and who care about providing a great service to pupils (95%). They also find their work fun (81%) and are proud to be at the college (81%). Staff have great faith (76%) in the college principal Stephen Pegg, who was one of a small number of high-achieving principals and head teachers invited to 10 Downing Street in 2008 to meet Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah. The prime minister gave a speech praising their achievements. Ann Thompson, the principal's personal assistant, says: "He's got phenomenal energy, our boss. From 8 o'clock in the morning to 8 o'clock at night, he doesn't mind being totally committed to the students." Staff say that the college, which has Investors in People accreditation, is run on strong values (75%). Although two-thirds of employees earn £35,000 or less, more than half (52%, the second best score) say they are in their dream job. All staff are entitled to career breaks, as well as vouchers for childcare, free nursery places and extra holidays. www.cardinalnewman.ac.uk