John Henry Newman Catholic College: Faith-Driven Education in Solihull

Cor ad cor loquitur (Heart speaks to heart) is the motto that runs through the veins of John Henry Newman Catholic College, and it is far more than a tagline on a letterhead. Serving the community of Chelmsley Wood and beyond, this 11-18 academy combines a deeply embedded Catholic ethos with a drive for social mobility. The college sits on a modern, purpose-built campus that replaced the former Archbishop Grimshaw School, signalling a new era of aspiration for the area.

With around 1,200 students, the school is large enough to offer breadth but retains a distinct community feel, anchored by its religious character. It is consistently oversubscribed, a testament to its reputation in North Solihull and East Birmingham. The 2024 results paint a picture of a school that adds value at GCSE, with performance sitting comfortably in the middle tier of schools in England, though the Sixth Form faces stiffer challenges in reaching the highest grades compared to national benchmarks.

The first thing visitors notice is the physical environment. Rebuilt as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme, the campus feels spacious and light, designed to signal to students that their education matters. The central atrium serves as the heart of the college, a meeting point that avoids the cramped corridors typical of older state schools.

Mrs Katherine Clarke, the Principal, leads with a clear vision that education is a vehicle for transforming lives. The "Newman Way" is frequently cited by staff and students alike; it is a code of conduct and a philosophy that prioritises respect, dignity, and service. This is not a quiet school, but the energy is generally purposeful. The Catholic life of the school is pervasive but inclusive; while the rhythms of the day are punctuated by prayer and the liturgical year, the college welcomes students of other faiths or none who are willing to respect its ethos.

The atmosphere is one of high expectations wrapped in support. Staff are visible, and relationships between adults and students are a clear strength, often described by inspectors as warm and respectful. There is a tangible sense of "team" here, perhaps born from the school's location in an area that has historically faced challenges. The college sees itself as a community hub, a place of stability and ambition for local families.

Academic performance at John Henry Newman Catholic College reflects a school that is working hard to secure solid outcomes for its intake.

In the 2024 GCSE examinations, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.1. This exceeds the England average of 45.9, indicating that across eight key subjects, students here achieve slightly higher grades than the national norm. This places the school in the 40th percentile locally, ranking 40th in Birmingham and 1,822nd in England. The performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting solid, national-typical performance.

The progress figures tell an important part of the story. With a Progress 8 score of -0.25, students make progress broadly in line with expectations, though slightly below the national average when starting points are considered.

At Sixth Form, the picture is more mixed. The 2024 A-level results show 37.4% of grades awarded were A*-B. While this demonstrates that top grades are achievable, it sits below the England average of 47.2% for this metric. The proportion of students achieving the very highest grades (A*) was 4.9%, compared to an England average of roughly 8-9% in recent years. Consequently, the Sixth Form ranks 1,662nd in England and 30th in Birmingham, placing it in the lower 40% of providers nationally. This data suggests that while the college supports students well, those aiming for the most competitive elite universities may need to be highly self-driven to secure the top grades required.

The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, adhering to the National Curriculum but delivered through the lens of the school's Catholic values. At Key Stage 3, students follow a wide range of subjects, with a particular emphasis on English and Mathematics to ensure the fundamentals are secure for GCSE study.

Teaching is structured and disciplined. Lessons typically follow a clear "Newman" framework, ensuring consistency across departments. This helps students know what to expect whether they are in Science or Geography. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and there is a focus on "know more, remember more," utilizing retrieval practice to help students retain information over time.

Religious Education is a core subject for all students, reflecting the school’s designation. It is treated with academic rigour, not just as a pastoral slot. In the Sixth Form, the offer includes a range of A-levels and vocational BTEC qualifications, catering to diverse learning styles. The vocational provision is particularly robust, often yielding strong outcomes for students suited to continuous assessment rather than terminal exams.

The college prides itself on ensuring every student has a destination that matches their ambitions. In 2024, 51% of Year 13 leavers progressed to university. This figure is healthy, though parents should note it is slightly below the national average for Sixth Form providers, reflecting a cohort where many choose high-quality apprenticeships or employment.

While that specific Oxbridge and Russell Group numbers are not published for this cohort, the college has a track record of supporting students into local universities such as Aston, Birmingham City, and the University of Birmingham. The college runs a "Newman Alumni" programme to inspire current students, showcasing former students who have gone on to careers in medicine, law, and engineering.

For the 23% of leavers entering employment and the 5% starting apprenticeships, the school provides dedicated careers advice. The focus is on securing "good" employment rather than just a job, with partnerships with local employers helping to facilitate meaningful pathways.

Admission to John Henry Newman Catholic College is coordinated by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. As a Catholic academy, the governors are the admissions authority.

The school is significantly oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 722 applications for 234 places in Year 7. This equates to approximately 3.1 applications for every single place available. This high demand means that simply living nearby is rarely enough to secure a place unless one meets higher-priority criteria.

The admissions policy prioritises:

1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
2. Baptised Catholic children living in the contributory parishes (e.g., St John the Baptist, St Anthony’s).
3. Other Baptised Catholic children.
4. Non-Catholic children with siblings at the school.
5. Non-Catholic children attending feeder Catholic primary schools.

Families should note that "Baptised Catholic" requires a baptismal certificate. For those not of the faith, securing a place is challenging and often depends on distance after all Catholic applicants have been admitted. Parents comparing local performance can use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance and likelihood of entry based on historical data.

Pastoral care is the bedrock of the college, officially rated as a strength in previous inspections. The "House" system creates smaller communities within the larger school, fostering a sense of belonging. Each student has a Form Tutor who is the first point of contact for parents and the daily anchor for the student.

The Catholic ethos drives a strong focus on the moral and spiritual development of the child. It is not just about exam results; it is about "formation"—developing the whole person. The chaplaincy team is active and visible, organising retreats, masses, and charitable activities.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is organised through a dedicated Learning Support department. The team works to ensure that the curriculum is accessible, though parents of children with complex needs should discuss specific provision directly with the SENCO to ensure the mainstream environment is the right fit.

Extracurricular life at John Henry Newman is designed to broaden horizons. The "Newman Enrichment" programme offers clubs ranging from the traditional to the modern.

Sport

Facilities are excellent, including a large sports hall, fitness suite, and dance studio. The college recently invested in a 3G Astro Turf pitch, which has become a hub for both school and community sport. The college competes in local Solihull and Birmingham leagues, with football, netball, and basketball being staples.

The Arts

The Creative Arts department is vibrant. The college has a fully equipped theatre space that hosts annual productions and music concerts. The choir is a key feature of school liturgies and public events. Art and photography are popular at GCSE and A-level, with student work displayed proudly around the campus.

Chaplaincy and Service

Service is central to the ethos. Students are encouraged to participate in fundraising for charities like CAFOD and Father Hudson’s Care. The Chaplaincy team runs "Faith in Action" groups, and there are opportunities for pilgrimages, including trips to Lourdes, which act as profound bonding experiences for the students involved.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:05pm, with enrichment activities often taking place after school until 4:00pm.

Located in Chelmsley Wood, the college is well-served by public transport. Several bus routes (e.g., the 72, 97, and X12) stop nearby, connecting the school to Solihull, Birmingham City Centre, and the surrounding residential areas. There is no dedicated school bus service, so students rely on public networks or walking.

Uniform is strictly enforced. It consists of a black blazer with the college badge, white shirt, college tie, and black trousers or skirt. The school is clear that appearance reflects attitude, and parents are expected to support the uniform policy rigorously.

Faith commitment is expected. While the school welcomes students of all faiths and none, the Catholic character is not optional. All students attend Mass, participate in liturgies, and study Religious Education. Families uncomfortable with this integral aspect of school life should consider if this environment is the right fit.

Oversubscription is significant. With over three applicants for every place, this is one of the most popular schools in the area. Families who are not Baptised Catholic and do not live in the immediate vicinity face uncertain odds of securing a place. It is vital to have realistic backup options.

Sixth Form academic profile. While the Sixth Form offers excellent pastoral support and strong vocational pathways, the A-level top grades (A*-B) are below the national average. Students aiming for the most competitive Russell Group courses (Medicine, Law) will need to be highly proactive and may need to supplement their studies with significant independent reading and work.

Strict behavioural expectations. The "Newman Way" is non-negotiable. The school operates a strict policy on uniform, punctuality, and conduct. This creates a calm environment but requires full parental buy-in.

John Henry Newman Catholic College is a school with a clear soul. It offers a structured, nurturing, and values-driven education that serves its community with distinction. It is best suited to families who value the formation of character as highly as exam certificates, and who want their children educated in a disciplined, faith-filled environment. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7; for those who do, it offers a stable and supportive platform for success.