Arden
122%
Capacity
1,817
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Arden
Arden is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Solihull community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,817 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (122% of 1,490 places).
Ofsted has rated Arden "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Warwood, it falls under Solihull local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.59 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 57.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 389th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 15 in Solihull.
Arden is a popular choice with families — it received 812 applications for 295 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 269 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Arden include Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Library, Gymnasium, Theatre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Athletics, Cricket, Martial Arts and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Film Club, Gardening, Orchestra and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 12.3%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Solihull, Arden is one of the options available in the West Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Station Road, Solihull, Solihull, B93 0PT |
| Headteacher | David Warwood |
| Local Authority | Solihull |
| Number of Pupils | 1,817 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 12.3% |
| School Capacity | 1,817 / 1,490 (122% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Jun 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.59)
389th of 3,141
Nationally
31st of 371
In West Midlands
2nd of 15
In Solihull
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
42.6
'22/23
39.4
'23/24
40.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed295
812
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
269 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arden
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Station Road, Solihull
Solihull, B93 0PT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
