SchoolScoresCardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of ST THOMAS CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST
Warden Hill Road, Luton, LU2 7AE
01582 597125 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 10 December 2013. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 22 May 2024: Ofsted found the school was still Good.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
88 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025.
Luton comparisons use the 8 of its 14 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 6 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 7th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 23% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 72% | 86% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 6th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 28% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78% | 87% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 7th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 41% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 74% | 85% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 47 parents whose child had been bullied 6th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 20% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 38% | 53% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 77 parents who had raised a concern 7th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 22% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 57% | 74% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 7th highest of 8 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 27% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 68%said yes | 85% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Luton figures pool parents at the Luton schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
276 pupils in this year group.
46% — 4 points above the Luton average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 46% | 42% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 50 | 45 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.7 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
269 pupils in this year group.
98% — 7 points above the Luton average, and 6 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 98% | 91% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 41% | 13% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 23% | 47% | 13% |
| Further education college | 30% | 27% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 1% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 1% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 98% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
111 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B- | C | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 24% | 19% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 55% | 47% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 36.1 | 30.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
22 subjects, 299 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 44 | 9% | 36% | 40% |
| Sociology | 26 | 4% | 15% | 20% |
| Law | 24 | 4% | 8% | 17% |
| Psychology | 23 | 0% | 4% | 19% |
| Economics | 20 | 5% | 45% | 26% |
| Accounting / Finance | 17 | 0% | 24% | 15% |
| Biology | 16 | 6% | 31% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 16 | 13% | 25% | 30% |
| Business Studies:Single | 15 | 7% | 33% | 16% |
| English Language | 13 | 0% | 0% | 13% |
| Physics | 13 | 0% | 31% | 31% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 12 | 8% | 8% | 24% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 10 | 0% | 20% | 14% |
| Art and Design | 8 | 0% | 38% | 34% |
| English Literature | 8 | 13% | 25% | 23% |
| Drama and Theatre Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| History | 7 | 0% | 29% | 23% |
| Religious Studies | 7 | 14% | 43% | 22% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 6 | 50% | 67% | 59% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Polish, English Language and Literature, Geography.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
149 students in this year group.
89% — 9 points above the Luton average, and 10 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 89% | 80% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 12% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 15% | 19% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 91% | 89% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
178 students in this year group.
66% — 4 points below the Luton average, and 6 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 66% | 70% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 20% | 11% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 77% | 66% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Luton. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 261 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 250 |
| Of those, offered a place | 235 (94%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 410 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.1 · 2025: 1.2 · 2026: 1.0
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision with 18 places for visual impairment; Autism. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 14th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 27% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.8% | 31.4%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 78% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 4.4% | 2.6%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 9th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 30% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.2% | 12.4%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language Joint 11th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 79% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 30.5% | 45.7%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 4th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 79% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.5% | 7.4%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 4th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 79% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 16.9% | 21.5%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 9th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 47% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 15.8 | 14.0 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 7th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 49% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.9% | 7.5% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.12% | 0.31% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 2nd highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 82% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 18.5 | 16.6 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 7th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 49% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.8 | 11.6 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 10th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 45% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 12.4% | 14.6%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Icknield High School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 58% grade 5+ English and maths
- Lea Manor High School 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 4 strong, 1 expected, 1 needs attention · 29% grade 5+ English and maths
- Stopsley High School 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 38% grade 5+ English and maths
- Jamiatul Uloom Al - Islamia 1.9 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Lealands High School 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 34% grade 5+ English and maths
- Denbigh High School 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 56% grade 5+ English and maths
- Putteridge High School 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), improved significantly 2024 · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- King's House Moorlands 2.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
- Al Hikmah Boys School 2.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2023)
- Challney High School for Girls 2.5 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2020), confirmed 2025 · 48% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College's Ofsted rating?
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 10 December 2013. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 22 May 2024, Ofsted found the school was still Good.
How did Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 46% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, about the same as the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College?
68% of the 88 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025 said they would recommend Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 250 families put Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College as their first choice for 261 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 235 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 142310.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 2 April 2024 to 7 April 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.