Classpot

Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College

Luton, LU2 7AESecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2024
Progress 8
+0.38
Above average
−20+2
Competition
1.2×
Oversubscribed
292 1st-choice / 246 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#691 of 3,141 nationally

About Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College

Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College sits third out of 11 secondary schools in Luton when ranked by Progress 8, comfortably ahead of the local authority average of 0.03. The two schools above it are Challney High School for Girls and Challney High School for Boys, while Denbigh High School follows just behind. As a Roman Catholic state school with a mixed intake of 1,641 pupils aged 11 to 18, it is one of the larger secondaries in the area and operates above its official capacity of 1,400. The school has held a Good rating from Ofsted across both its most recent graded inspection in 2013 and its ungraded inspection in 2024, which confirmed it remains Good. Leadership and management, as well as overall effectiveness, were both judged Good in the last full inspection. For families prioritising academic progress within Luton, Cardinal Newman offers a solid option that consistently outperforms the typical local school.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterRoman Catholic
AddressWarden Hill Road, Luton, Luton, LU2 7AE
HeadteacherHelen Fay
Local AuthorityLuton
Number of Pupils1,641
Free School Meals (FSM)18.2%
School Capacity1,641 / 1,400 (117% 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

22 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good

Latest monitoring visit (22 May 2024): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 21 Jan 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Sixth Form CentreSports HallSwimming PoolTheatreLibraryScience LabsPlaying FieldsMusic RoomsAstro TurfTennis CourtsGymnasiumICT SuiteChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

16

Sports

FootballDanceNetballMartial ArtsCross CountryRugbyCricketSwimmingBadminton

Clubs & Activities

DramaFilm ClubChoirModel United NationsOrchestraScience ClubDebate

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

SEND Support

Resourced Provision
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyResourced ProvisionOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College

Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.