Cardinal Newman College
N/A
Capacity
N/A
Pupils
2.3x
Demand
About Cardinal Newman College
Cardinal Newman College is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Preston community, welcoming children from age 16 to 99.
Ofsted has rated Cardinal Newman College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Nick Burnham, it falls under Lancashire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.19 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.5. Additionally, ranked 1989th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 11 in Preston.
Cardinal Newman College is a popular choice with families — it received 339 applications for 151 places, making it 2.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 119 were first-preference applications.
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 College include Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cricket, Athletics, Martial Arts and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, DofE, Choir, Gardening and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.8%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Preston, Cardinal Newman College is one of the options available in the North West 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 | 16 to 99 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Lark Hill Road, Avenham, Preston, Preston, PR1 4HD |
| Headteacher | Nick Burnham |
| Local Authority | Lancashire |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.8% |
| School Capacity | 825 |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 15 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.19)
1989th of 3,141
Nationally
235th of 445
In North West
9th of 11
In Preston
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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.
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed151
339
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
119 families put this school as their 1st choice (35% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Newman 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
Lark Hill Road, Avenham, Preston
Preston, PR1 4HD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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