The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School
114%
Capacity
1,605
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School
The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School is a state-funded Roman Catholic secondary school serving the Stevenage community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,605 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (114% of 1,405 places).
Ofsted has rated The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Carrasco-Morley, it falls under Hertfordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.72 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 56.8. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 270th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 1st out of 6 in Stevenage.
The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School is a popular choice with families — it received 601 applications for 208 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 245 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 The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, ICT Suite, Music Rooms, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Library, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Chapel, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Dance, Hockey, Football and 6 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Young Enterprise, Debate and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 10.0%, which is well below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Stevenage, The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School 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 | Hitchin Road, Stevenage, Stevenage, SG1 4AE |
| Headteacher | David Carrasco-Morley |
| Local Authority | Hertfordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,605 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 10.0% |
| School Capacity | 1,605 / 1,405 (114% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Jul 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (17 Jul 2024): School remains Good (Improving) - S5 Next
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 23 Feb 2015. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.72)
270th of 3,141
Nationally
35th of 350
In East of England
1st of 6
In Stevenage
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
39.8
'22/23
36.1
'23/24
35.0
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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
21Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed208
601
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
245 families put this school as their 1st choice (41% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Saint John Henry 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
Hitchin Road, Stevenage
Stevenage, SG1 4AE
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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