Arnold Academy vs Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in East of England, England, 4.6 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Arnold Academy
Bedford · Academy secondary · Ages 9–13
704 students
Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College
Luton · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,655 students
| Measure | Arnold Academy Bedford, East of England | Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College Luton, East of England |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 55 Top 50% | 68 Top 50% |
| Region rank | #212 of 460 | #129 of 460 |
| National rank | #1696 of 4,090 | #1089 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 9–13 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 704 | 1,655 |
| Pupils on roll | 704 | 1,655 |
| Free school meals | 14.2% | 18.8% |
| Capacity filled | 97.8% | 118.2% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 60% | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 7% | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | 50.0 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | 46.4% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | 69.9% |
| EBacc average points | – | 4.68 |
| A level points per entry | – | 36.1 |
| town | Bedford | Luton |
| region | East of England | East of England |
| Website | www.arnoldacademy.org.uk | www.cardinalnewmanschool.net/ |
The verdict
- •Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College scores higher on the Success Index (England) (68.4 vs 55.3).
- •Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is the larger school with 1,655 students compared with 704.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Arnold Academy better than Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College?
On the Success Index (England), Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College ranks higher (68.4 vs 55.3 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Arnold Academy and Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College?
About 4.6 km in a straight line, between Bedford and Luton in East of England.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Arnold Academy: 704. Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College: 1,655. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Arnold Academy and Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College rank in East of England?
Arnold Academy is 212th of 460 and Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College is 129th of 460 among secondary schools in East of England on the 2025 Success Index (England).