Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School
Leeds, LS6 4QE · Leeds · secondary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 45 secondary schools in Leeds we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.5/10 against 883 of 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% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 72.3 · 92 | 30% | 2.75 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.66 · 90 | 25% | 2.24 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 55.5 · 86 | 10% | 0.86 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, last inspected in 2023. In 2024/25, 73.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 58.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.66 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 9.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Chess Club and Choir. Sports include badminton, cross country, football, cricket, athletics, Junior Warrior, and the Colour Run. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 916 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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
What specific support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Progress 8 scores? How is the after-school club structured for those needing wraparound care?
What Ofsted said about Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School
Overview
Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School continues to be a good school, described as a "happy school" where pupils "take pleasure in attending" and "enjoy their learning." The Catholic character exerts a "strong influence on everything the school does," fostering high expectations and respectful behaviour. Leaders maintain close partnerships with parents and the local authority to ensure safety and regular attendance.
Strengths
- Teachers "support pupils to do their best" and help them "remember important knowledge" through sequenced lessons.
- There is a "wide range of support available for pupils with SEND," enabling most to "meet their intended learning goals."
- Pupils are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities, including sports, clubs, and charity events.
- Staff are "proud of the school" and leaders are "considerate of the well-being and workload of staff."
- Leaders provide a "high-quality programme of careers advice and guidance" that pupils find helpful.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure all staff "check pupils’ work thoroughly, in all lessons" so pupils produce work capable of reaching learning goals.
- Leaders should ensure the "behaviour policy is implemented consistently by all staff" to prevent distractions.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving relevant training and taking "swift action to ensure that pupils receive the help they need."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 59.1 |
| 2024/25 | 58.0 |
| 2025/26 | 55.5 |
| 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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