The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 50.0 vs national 43.8)
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
- The school is at capacity (117% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
50.0
6.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
46%
4.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
82%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.11
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
97%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
94%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 269 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 12 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
16% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 20 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 148 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,641
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 18.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Luton
- Trust
- ST THOMAS CATHOLIC ACADEMIES TRUST
- Head
- Helen Fay (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Warden Hill Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU2 7AE
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGrasmere Nursery School
Nursery · 623m away
Warden Hill Infant Academy
Primary · 761m away
Bramingham Primary School
Primary · 855m away
Icknield High School
Secondary · 1.6km away
Icknield Primary School
Primary · 1.7km away
Bushmead Primary & Nursery School
Primary · 1.8km away
Woodlands Secondary School
Special school · 1.8km away
Lea Manor High School
Secondary · 1.9km away
Questions parents ask
Is Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College a selective school?
No. Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College?
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College currently has 1,641 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College take?
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College?
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is in Luton, LU2 7AE, in the Luton local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College have a sixth form?
Yes, Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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