Arden
Solihull, B93 0PT · Solihull · secondary school
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2nd of 15 secondary schools in Solihull we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 592 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.1/10 among them, against 9.0/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.83 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 71.0 · 91 | 30% | 2.74 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.59 · 87 | 25% | 2.19 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 59.3 · 91 | 10% | 0.92 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Arden overview
How it's doing
Arden was rated Good by Ofsted in September 2022. In 2024/25, 73.3% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 59.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.59 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 8.3 out of 10 among them, against 9.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,812 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,490. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school manage class sizes when operating significantly above its designated capacity? What support structures are in place to maintain the progress scores seen in 2023/24? How does the school ensure equitable access to extracurricular opportunities for all students?
What Ofsted said about Arden
Overview
Senior leaders hold “exceptionally high aspirations” that permeate school life, resulting in a positive environment where pupils “flourish” and enjoy attending. The report highlights strong academic outcomes, effective pastoral support, and a wide-ranging enrichment programme that caters to diverse interests. Overall, the school is judged as Good across all categories, with staff and pupils demonstrating high standards and positive relationships.
Strengths
- Teachers “adapt learning and consider pupils’ prior knowledge” effectively in many subjects, ensuring pupils “remember more over time” and produce high-quality work.
- Leaders have planned a “wide-ranging enrichment programme” with over 70 activities, including clubs for music, drama, and chess, which pupils value highly.
- Pupils are “safe and happy,” with staff dealing with bullying “swiftly and effectively” and fostering a welcoming “Arden family” atmosphere.
- There is a strong promotion of reading, with pupils “enjoying reading and do so often,” supported by swift interventions for those needing help.
- Sixth-form students benefit from “highly effective teaching about career pathways” and carefully planned learning that deepens their understanding of complex topics.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not match learning activities to pupils’ needs carefully enough, particularly for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), leading to lower-quality work or lost focus.
- Teachers do not always use assessment effectively to identify gaps in pupils’ knowledge quickly, meaning some gaps persist and hinder future learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving necessary training to spot signs of risk and working well with outside agencies to ensure pupils are safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 57.7 |
| 2024/25 | 59.6 |
| 2025/26 | 59.3 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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