[2] As of September 2021, a total of 1,389 boys were enrolled at the Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School.

Boys in Year 7 at the school are taught subjects including English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Computing, Art, Drama, Music, Design and Technology, Food and Physical Education, with additional opportunities to develop leadership in areas such as Careers, Charity and Community Service, and Spiritual Formation.

Boys in Year 10 have the opportunity to study a Travel & Tourism Tech Award, as well as having the opportunity to study Computer Science, "iMedia", Drama at GCSE level, 3D Design and Technology, Hospitality and Catering, Health and Social Care, and Business.

[6] The school has a well below average Progress 8 score, a score provided to schools by the government based on the academic progress that pupils make from the end of Key Stage 2 to the end of Key Stage 4.

Despite this, the school performed strongly in the number of boys either staying in education or entering employment upon leaving the school, with 95% either staying in education or taking employment, compares to the local authority average of 92% and the England average of 94%.