Cardinal Newman Catholic School
101%
Capacity
2,625
Pupils
3.0x
Demand
About Cardinal Newman Catholic School
Cardinal Newman Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Brighton and Hove community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 2,625 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 2,600 places).
the school is led by headteacher Claire Jarman, it falls under Brighton and Hove local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.56 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 54.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 418th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 10 in Brighton and Hove.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,056 applications for 346 places, making it 3.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 509 were first-preference applications.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the school (366 responses).
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 include Library, Science Labs, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Hockey, Gymnastics, Rugby and 4 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Art Club, Newspaper, Debate and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 20.3%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Brighton and Hove, Cardinal Newman Catholic School is one of the options available in the South East 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 | The Upper Drive, Hove, Brighton and Hove, BN3 6ND |
| Headteacher | Claire Jarman |
| Local Authority | Brighton and Hove |
| Number of Pupils | 2,625 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 20.3% |
| School Capacity | 2,625 / 2,600 (101% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Oct 2024Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 Nov 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.56)
418th of 3,141
Nationally
72nd of 461
In South East
2nd of 10
In Brighton and Hove
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
41.7
'22/23
36.6
'23/24
37.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
366 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
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
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed346
1,056
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
509 families put this school as their 1st choice (48% 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
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
The Upper Drive, Hove
Brighton and Hove, BN3 6ND
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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