Classpot

Arden

Solihull, B93 0PTSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
Jun 2022
Progress 8
+0.59
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
0.9×
Not oversubscribed
269 1st-choice / 295 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#389 of 3,141 nationally

About Arden

Arden is a state secondary school in Solihull that is significantly oversubscribed, and the numbers tell a clear story about demand. With 1,817 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,490, the school is operating well above its official limit. For entry in 2025/26, there were 812 applications for 295 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.75. Of those, 269 families put Arden as their first preference, and 245 first-preference offers were made. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 12.3%, which is broadly in line with the national average for secondary schools and suggests a genuinely mixed intake. The school is non-denominational and co-educational, taking pupils from age 11 through to 18. Headteacher David Warwood leads a school that, on these figures alone, is clearly a popular choice among Solihull families.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressStation Road, Solihull, Solihull, B93 0PT
HeadteacherDavid Warwood
Local AuthoritySolihull
Number of Pupils1,817
Free School Meals (FSM)12.3%
School Capacity1,817 / 1,490 (122% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

14 Jun 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 21 Sept 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
Astro TurfSixth Form CentreSwimming PoolTennis CourtsLibraryGymnasiumTheatreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

DanceAthleticsCricketMartial ArtsRugbyCross Country

Clubs & Activities

DebateFilm ClubGardeningOrchestraChessBook ClubDuke of EdinburghYoung Enterprise

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyMulti-SensoryOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Arden

Arden has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.