Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
121%
Capacity
778
Pupils
3.9x
Demand
About Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 778 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (121% of 645 places).
Ofsted has rated Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Robert Swanwick, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.27 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 46.9. Additionally, ranked 913th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 27th out of 83 in Birmingham.
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 612 applications for 159 places, making it 3.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 168 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School include Sixth Form Centre, Playing Fields, Theatre, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rugby, Swimming, Martial Arts, Rounders and 4 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Young Enterprise, Choir, Chess and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 41.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School is one of the options available in the West Midlands 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham, Birmingham, B44 9SR |
| Headteacher | Robert Swanwick |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 778 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 41.5% |
| School Capacity | 778 / 645 (121% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
7 Oct 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (7 Oct 2021): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 7 Nov 2016. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.27)
913th of 3,141
Nationally
88th of 371
In West Midlands
27th of 83
In Birmingham
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.
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
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed159
612
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
168 families put this school as their 1st choice (27% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Wiseman 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
Old Oscott Hill, Birmingham
Birmingham, B44 9SR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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