Arden began in the 1950s as a modest two-form entry school and has grown into a thriving ten-form mixed comprehensive serving around 1,820 students across Years 7 to 13. Situated in the village of Knowle, three miles south of Solihull's town centre, the academy occupies a purpose-built campus that speaks to deliberate investment: specialist music and drama studios with dance spaces, a dedicated sixth form building, nine science laboratories, an all-weather astroturf pitch, gymnasium, and sports hall. The 2022 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good across all areas, crediting senior leaders' "exceptionally high aspirations that permeate school life." Academically, Arden sits in the top 25% in England for both GCSE and A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), with strong progress measures and consistently impressive outcomes that place it well above national averages.
Arden in Knowle, Solihull has a clear sense of identity shaped by its setting and community. Students move between lessons with quiet focus. The school's core identity revolves around what staff and students call the "Arden family", a deliberate culture where senior leaders have worked to ensure no student is left adrift. The school's values of Determination, Excellence, Courage, Friendship, Inspiration, Equality and Respect are woven throughout daily life rather than merely displayed on walls.
Mr David Warwood, who joined Arden as a PE teacher in 2004, has progressed through roles in pastoral care and inclusion and now leads the academy. His background is notably purposeful: he studied Sports and Exercise Science at Exeter, completed his initial teacher training at Birmingham, and has subsequently earned a Post-Graduate Diploma in Inclusion and Special Educational Needs from Birmingham and completed the National SENCO Award. He is currently studying for his National Professional Qualification for Headteachers. His trajectory suggests a leader genuinely invested in supporting every learner, not just high achievers.
The teaching environment is characterised by positive relationships. Ofsted found that "teachers teach individuals, not classes", a statement that captures how personalised learning appears to be embedded here. Students describe genuine friendliness among peers and staff attentiveness to their development. Parents consistently report strong pastoral support and excellent communication about their children's academic and personal progress.
In 2024, Arden achieved an Attainment 8 score of 57.7, significantly above the England average of 44.2. The Progress 8 figure of +0.59 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points, a measure that captures genuine value-added by the school rather than simple intake advantages.
The GCSE pass rate (grade 5 and above in English and Mathematics) reached 82%, compared to the England average of 60%. More than 40% of all GCSE grades awarded were 7 and above, with 23% achieving grades 8 or 9. This grade distribution signals serious academic substance: these are not merely passing grades but genuinely strong outcomes.
The school ranks 805th in England for GCSE performance (out of 4,593 ranked schools), placing it firmly in the top 25% (FindMySchool data). Locally, it ranks 3rd among Solihull secondaries. Arden sits comfortably in the top 25% of schools in England, indicating solid positioning above the middle tier of English secondary schools.
The school deliberately teaches sciences separately at GCSE, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, rather than combined science. Languages feature prominently in the curriculum with A-level provision in French, Spanish, and German. The MFL department notably comprises six skilled teachers, and the school takes pride in achieving strong A-level language uptake despite subject-choice pressures. Mathematics benefits from strong structural support with setting from Year 9 onward, allowing differentiated pacing and challenge.
English Baccalaureate entry (covering English, Mathematics, Sciences, Languages, and either History or Geography) stands at 30%, modestly below the England average of 41%. This reflects a genuine choice by families and students rather than institutional constraint, Arden offers the full complement of facilitating subjects but does not mandate EBacc study.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
69.05%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
A-level results represent Arden's particular strength. In 2024, students achieved an average grade of B across 505 exam entries, the school's best-ever examined results outside pandemic-affected cohorts. The headline figure of 69% achieving grades A*-B far exceeds the England average of 47%.
More impressively, 41% achieved A or A* grades (combining 13% A* and 28% A), compared to the England average of 24%. At least 100% pass rates (grade E or above, though most students pursue far higher) were achieved in 22 subjects, signalling consistent teaching quality across the curriculum.
Arden ranks 396th in England for A-level performance (out of 2,649 sixth form providers), placing it in the top 25% (FindMySchool data). Locally, it ranks 2nd in Solihull. The combined GCSE/A-level ranking places it at 410th in England, a composite measure reflecting that this school performs strongly across the 11-18 journey.
The sixth form admits approximately 120 students per year into Year 12. Entry requirements are clear: minimum grade 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics, with individual subjects having specific entry thresholds (typically grade 6 or 7 depending on subject). The school notes that over a third of sixth form entrants come from external schools, reflecting growing reputation and appeal across the Solihull region.
In the measurement period, seven students applied to Oxbridge, with one securing an offer and ultimately gaining entry to Cambridge. Five students applied to Oxford, though none secured places in that cycle. These numbers are modest but meaningful, one Oxbridge place from a cohort of around 120-130 sixth formers represents a realistic pipeline without inflating expectations.
The school notes strong A-level language uptake as a particular point of pride, with students studying French, Spanish, and German at advanced level. Facilitating subjects (Sciences, Mathematics, Further Maths, Languages, History, Geography, English Literature) appear well-represented, suggesting sixth formers are progressing to competitive universities and degree programmes.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
69.05%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Among 2023-24 leavers (cohort size: 147), 59% progressed to university, 22% entered employment, 4% began apprenticeships, and 1% progressed to further education. These figures suggest a mix of academic and vocational pathways reflective of genuine choice rather than institutional narrowness.
The school's sixth form has become increasingly popular within Solihull, drawing students from beyond its main catchment. This growth in reputation indicates that students and families perceive genuine value in the post-16 provision, a strong signal of sixth form quality.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 14.3%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Teachers at Arden share leaders' high ambitions and operate from a position of personalised attention. The Ofsted report noted that staff speak of "teaching individuals, not classes," which manifests in careful consideration of prior knowledge and adaptive pacing. In subjects like English, Mathematics, Geography, and Music, inspectors found particularly strong examples of this approach, with pupils' work notably high quality.
The curriculum is ambitious and deliberately broad. Rather than narrowing options, the school maintains rich subject provision: separate sciences from Year 7, languages, humanities breadth, and specialist STEM and creative arts provision. Curriculum planning in most subjects is carefully mapped across key stages, though leaders acknowledged that a few subjects were still refining their long-term learning sequences.
Assessment practices lean toward formative approaches, teachers checking understanding during lessons and adjusting teaching to address gaps. Where this practice is robust (as in English, Mathematics, Music), the impact is clear. Ofsted noted that on some occasions, gaps in knowledge aren't identified quickly enough; leaders are aware and working to embed consistent assessment practice across all staff.
Reading is promoted actively: pupils read during tutor time, meet visiting authors, and engage with reading clubs. The library functions as an active learning space rather than a quiet archive. This push for literacy reflects genuine institutional commitment to building cultural capital.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
The school maintains over 70 co-curricular clubs and activities across the academic year. Ofsted specifically highlighted this breadth as a significant strength, noting that "pupils value these opportunities and say that there is something for everyone to do."
Music and Drama sit at the heart of Arden's co-curricular identity. The school invested in two dedicated drama studios, a dance studio, and two specialist music classrooms with individual practice rooms available during breaks and lessons. The Choir is active and performs regularly. Theatre productions run throughout the year with substantial casts, involving both specialist performers and students seeking broader experience. The Drama department supports multiple productions annually, creating accessible pathways for involvement.
Music tuition is available beyond the standard curriculum, and the school actively encourages ensemble participation. The Musical Theatre society provides additional outlet for integrated performance work.
Facilities include a large sports hall, gymnasium, all-weather astroturf pitch, grass rugby pitch, grass football pitches, and outdoor netball courts. Hockey features prominently as a varsity sport. Rugby and football engage substantial participation. Tennis and netball programmes operate seasonally. The school notes that these facilities are also hired to the community, suggesting good standards of maintenance and accessibility.
Ofsted specifically mentioned sporting clubs as examples of pupils' diverse engagement, indicating that sports provision extends beyond compulsory PE into genuine choice and specialisation.
Science clubs and trips extend learning beyond lessons. Computing and IT provision reflects modern curriculum needs, with coding opportunities available. The school's nine science laboratories support practical investigation and hands-on learning integral to science teaching. Design and Technology includes a specialist building with workshop facilities, including a working hair salon that serves dual purposes: student practical training and community service.
The school meets requirements of the Baker Clause, ensuring students in Years 8-13 have access to information about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships, evidence of commitment to broadening aspiration beyond traditional academic pathways.
Chess club, creative writing clubs, and an LGBTQ+ club are specifically mentioned in Ofsted findings, reflecting the breadth and inclusivity of provision. The school maintains a library programme supporting student engagement with reading and research. Student council and formal leadership opportunities exist across year groups, with older students mentoring younger peers through structured systems.
The curriculum explicitly includes field trips and educational visits to extend classroom learning. Languages students benefit from residential study opportunities. Geography fieldwork appears integrated into GCSE and A-level programmes. History teaching includes museum visits and local heritage engagement.
Arden is a non-selective mixed comprehensive admitting by distance. The school is consistently oversubscribed, a phenomenon reflecting its strong reputation in the Solihull area. Applications significantly exceed places available, which means that families living closer to the school gates hold admissions advantage.
Applications are coordinated through Solihull's local authority admissions process. Year 7 entry is the main intake point, with sixth form entry open to external applicants meeting the specified GCSE grade requirements (minimum grade 5 in English and Mathematics, with subject-specific requirements varying by course).
For students with exceptional social or medical needs, applications are considered outside the standard distance-based criteria, a safeguarding provision ensuring that genuine need is not defeated by distance alone.
Applications
812
Total received
Places Offered
295
Subscription Rate
2.8x
Apps per place
Ofsted found that "pupils are safe and happy" and "know who to turn to if they are worried about something." The report specifically praised swift and effective action when bullying occurs, and highlighted the genuine warmth of the "Arden family" culture where "no one is left out."
Parents consistently report overwhelmingly positive experiences regarding pastoral support and communication. The school provides targeted intervention for students who fall behind, benefit from a structured approach to mentoring, and receive regular, constructive feedback on progress. The library and school counselling services provide additional support pathways.
Personal development extends beyond academic measures. Leadership opportunities are genuinely available across the school, with older students coaching and mentoring younger peers. Career guidance and further education advice are embedded throughout Years 8-13, with dedicated careers education helping students explore options beyond traditional university routes.
The school operates on a traditional secondary timetable. School hours run from morning registration through afternoon dismissal. The school day is structured with tutor time, lesson blocks, and lunch provision. Students are expected to arrive punctually and in uniform, standards that the school enforces consistently, with Ofsted noting that "smart appearance, strong work ethic and exemplary behaviour create the climate where all students flourish."
Catering is provided on-site with options to support dietary requirements. Students may bring packed lunches. ParentPay and Edulink provide online platforms for parents to access information, make payments, and view progress.
Transport connections serve the school through local bus routes; the school is situated on Station Road with reasonable access from central Solihull. Free on-site parking is available for staff, and the school actively promotes cycling where feasible.
Oversubscription is genuine. With applications running at around 2.75 times places available, securing entry depends substantially on proximity to the school. Families should verify current distance thresholds with Solihull admissions before committing to the catchment area. Distance criteria can shift annually based on applicant distribution.
SEND differentiation requires teacher attention. Ofsted noted that whilst pupils with identified special needs receive targeted support, some teachers don't consistently match learning activities carefully to the particular needs of SEND pupils. The school acknowledges this and is working to embed more systematic differentiation. Families with children requiring tailored support should discuss specific provision during school visits.
Assessment consistency varies. Teachers use assessment well in most lessons, but on some occasions gaps in knowledge aren't identified quickly enough, meaning pupils aren't supported swiftly to catch up. The school is aware and working to standardise practice, but parents might ask specific questions about assessment feedback frequency during discussions with subject leaders.
Popular sixth form attracts external competition. As reputation grows, sixth form entry becomes increasingly competitive, particularly for oversubscribed subjects. Students from other schools now represent over a third of Year 12 intake, suggesting that not all internal progression is guaranteed. Realistic grade expectations are important when considering sixth form applications.
Arden is a successful, ambitious comprehensive school that takes genuine pride in seeing every student flourish academically and personally. The 2022 Ofsted inspection's "Good" rating across all areas reflects consistent quality, though the school's own results, particularly A-level achievements far exceeding national averages, suggest that inspection frameworks may not fully capture current strength. Leadership is clearly committed to continuous improvement, and the culture genuinely prioritises pastoral care alongside academic rigour.
The school works best for families within striking distance of Knowle who want:
The main barrier is admission itself. Oversubscription is real, and distance matters significantly. For families outside the immediate catchment, expectations should be realistic. For those within reach, Arden appears to deliver consistently on its promise of excellence paired with care.
Yes. Ofsted rated Arden "Good" across all areas in 2022, commending senior leaders' exceptionally high aspirations and positive relationships between staff and students. Academic results significantly exceed national averages: GCSE Attainment 8 of 57.7 (England average 44.2), A-level with 69% achieving A*-B grades (England average 47%), and both GCSE and A-level rankings placing the school in the top 25% in England (FindMySchool data). The 2024 A-level cohort achieved its best-ever examined results outside pandemic years, with an average grade of B.
In 2024, 82% of students achieved grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics, compared to the England average of 60%. The Attainment 8 score was 57.7 (England average 44.2), and Progress 8 was +0.59, indicating above-average progress from starting points. Over 40% of GCSE grades were 7 or above, with 23% achieving grades 8-9. The school ranks 3rd in Solihull and 805th (top 25% in England; FindMySchool ranking).
Year 7 entry is coordinated through Solihull local authority admissions (typically deadline October, with offers in April). The school is oversubscribed and allocates places primarily by distance from the school gates after looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school. For sixth form entry, students must hold minimum grade 5 in GCSE English and Mathematics, with individual A-level subjects requiring grades 6 or 7 depending on course. External applicants are welcomed; over a third of sixth formers come from other schools.
In 2024, students achieved an average grade of B across 505 entries. 69% attained grades A*-B (England average 47%), and 41% achieved A or A* grades (England average 24%). 100% pass rates were achieved in 22 of the subject options offered. The sixth form ranks 2nd in Solihull and 396th (top 25% in England; FindMySchool ranking). The school offers 26+ A-level subjects and recent results represent the school's best-ever performance outside pandemic-affected cohorts.
The school maintains over 70 co-curricular activities including performing arts (choir, theatre productions, drama studios), sports (rugby, hockey, football, netball, tennis), creative and intellectual clubs (chess, creative writing, LGBTQ+ club), and STEM engagement (science clubs, computing, design and technology with specialist workshops). Physical facilities include a large sports hall, gymnasium, all-weather astroturf, rugby and football pitches, nine science laboratories, two drama studios, dance studio, music practice rooms, and a design technology building. Leadership opportunities are embedded, with older students mentoring younger peers.
Yes, Arden is consistently oversubscribed with approximately 2.75 applications per place. The school is non-selective, and places are allocated by distance from the school gates after looked-after children and those with named EHCPs. Distance thresholds vary annually based on applicant distribution. Families should verify current distances with Solihull admissions before relying on a place. The school does consider exceptional social or medical need outside distance criteria when genuinely applicable.
The school maintains on-roll pupils with a range of needs and provides targeted support through a dedicated SENCO and structured intervention strategies. Ofsted noted that pupils with identified SEND generally receive good support, though the inspection identified that some teachers could be more consistent in matching learning activities carefully to individual SEND needs. Families with children requiring tailored provision should discuss specific support availability during school visits and with the SENCO directly.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
