John Henry Newman Catholic College
108%
Capacity
1,301
Pupils
3.1x
Demand
About John Henry Newman Catholic College
John Henry Newman Catholic College is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Solihull community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,301 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (108% of 1,200 places).
Ofsted has rated John Henry Newman Catholic College "Good", the school is led by headteacher Katherine Clarke, it falls under Solihull local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.25 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.1. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 2130th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 11th out of 15 in Solihull.
John Henry Newman Catholic College is a popular choice with families — it received 722 applications for 234 places, making it 3.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 284 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at John Henry Newman Catholic College include Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Art Studios, Music Rooms, Theatre, Library, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Dance, Gymnastics, Rowing and 4 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Newspaper, Coding, Film Club and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 40.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Solihull, John Henry Newman Catholic College 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Roman Catholic |
| Address | Chelmsley Road, Birmingham, Solihull, B37 5GA |
| Headteacher | Katherine Clarke |
| Local Authority | Solihull |
| Number of Pupils | 1,301 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 40.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,301 / 1,200 (108% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (11 Nov 2021): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 3 Jan 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.25)
2130th of 3,141
Nationally
224th of 371
In West Midlands
11th of 15
In Solihull
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
34.4
'22/23
30.1
'23/24
29.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed234
722
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
284 families put this school as their 1st choice (39% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About John Henry Newman Catholic 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
Chelmsley Road, Birmingham
Solihull, B37 5GA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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