Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Birmingham, B44 9SR · Birmingham · secondary school
Check the area around this school
24th of 88 secondary schools in Birmingham we can score, 89 in total — the rest without enough published data. 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 — 8.1/10 against 415 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 85 | 35% | 2.97 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 43.7 · 46 | 30% | 1.40 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.27 · 70 | 25% | 1.76 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.0 · 60 | 10% | 0.60 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was +0.27, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.5 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in April 2026 under the new report-card framework.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join football, basketball, badminton, and multi-sports clubs. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 788 pupils against a stated capacity of 645. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 143, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? How does the breakfast club support pupils arriving early? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School
Overview
The report describes an inclusive school where pupils "flourish" and leaders have set "high expectations and aspirations for all pupils." It highlights a culture of "belonging, care and achievement" that permeates the school, with staff and pupils living out the 'Wiseman Virtues'. The inspection found that the school "routinely improves their life chances" and prepares pupils exceptionally well for life in modern British society.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "Strong standard," with pupils described as "friendly, welcoming and a pleasure to speak to" and attendance "improved markedly."
- The curriculum and teaching are praised for being "carefully designed," with teachers who "know their pupils exceptionally well" and use "highly bespoke catch-up sessions" to close knowledge gaps.
- Inclusion is "fully embedded," featuring "adaptive teaching plans" and expert support that ensures pupils with special educational needs "achieve very well."
- Personal development is "remarkable and highly effective," driven by a "transformation curriculum" and a "bespoke programme of extra-curricular activities" that all pupils access.
- Leadership is described as "inspirational," with governors who "fulfil their duties very well" and staff who feel "valued, listened to" and part of the ‘Wiseman family’.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to focus on teaching strategies to "deepen and stretch the learning of pupils, especially those with high prior attainment," as expectations for all to perform above national averages are "not fully realised."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are "made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.9 |
| 2024/25 | 47.0 |
| 2025/26 | 48.0 |
| 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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