Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and Language College is much larger than the average-sized secondary school. The proportion of students known to be eligible for support through the pupil premium (additional funding provided by the government to support students, for example those known to be eligible for free school meals and children in local authority care) is above average. The proportion of students from ethnic minority backgrounds is above average as is the percentage of students who speak English as an additional language. The proportion of disabled students or those who have special educational needs supported through school action is average. The proportion of students supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is above average. A small number of students attend alternative provision at the Tile Hill Student Referral Unit. Some students also attend work-based placements, Henley College or City College for part of the school week. The school meets the government’s current floor standard, which sets the minimum expectations for attainment and progress in English and mathematics.