Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College
117%
Capacity
1,641
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Luton community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,641 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (117% of 1,400 places).
Ofsted has rated Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Helen Fay, it falls under Luton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.38 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 48.5. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 691st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 11 in Luton.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is a popular choice with families — it received 455 applications for 246 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 292 were first-preference applications.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College has mixed reviews on SchoolParrot (2.2/5 from 4 parents).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College include Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Theatre, Library, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Dance, Netball, Martial Arts and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Film Club, Choir, Model UN and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.2%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Luton, Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is one of the options available in the East of England 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 | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Warden Hill Road, Luton, Luton, LU2 7AE |
| Headteacher | Helen Fay |
| Local Authority | Luton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,641 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.2% |
| School Capacity | 1,641 / 1,400 (117% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (22 May 2024): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 21 Jan 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.38)
691st of 3,141
Nationally
71st of 350
In East of England
3rd of 11
In Luton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make 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
34.0
'22/23
29.0
'23/24
33.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed246
455
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
292 families put this school as their 1st choice (64% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College
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
Warden Hill Road, Luton
Luton, LU2 7AE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
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