State School
The Castle School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
The Castle School
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The Castle School
- All-through
- Shaw cum Donnington RG14 2JG
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Ofsted report
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| Effectiveness of leadership and management | Outstanding |
| The quality of practice and services | Outstanding |
| Outcomes for pupils | Outstanding |
Quick insights from ofsted Powered by AI
This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Pupils make exceptionally strong progress academically and personally.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils enjoy learning, sustain concentration and develop skills.
Support for Pupils Falling Behind: Teachers continually assess pupils and identify appropriate next steps.
Academic Progress: Pupils achieve strongly through personalized learning.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Students behave exceptionally well and form strong friendships.
Support for Pupils Falling Behind: Staff plan meticulously to meet individual targets, ensuring no pupil falls behind.
Teacher Engagement: Staff are highly motivated and appreciate efforts for their well-being.
Impact of Teaching on Student Progress: High-quality teaching supports excellent pupil outcomes.
Strengths or Challenges with Teaching Staff: Teachers and teaching assistants are highly skilled and effective.
Teacher Engagement: Skilled staff deliver content tailored to each pupil’s needs.
Impact of Teaching on Student Progress: Teaching is highly effective; students make significant progress.
Strengths or Challenges with Teaching Staff: Staff collaborate effectively with therapists to integrate specialist support.
Opportunities for Parent Involvement: Parents are engaged and value the opportunities offered to their children.
Communication with Parents: Parents appreciate the communication about their child's progress.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents are extremely positive about their children's progress.
Opportunities for Parent Involvement: Parents appreciate thriving school community; involvement encouraged.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: Leaders maintain a strong safeguarding culture by engaging closely with parents.
Actions to Enhance Education Quality: Leaders ensure staff are well-trained and have high expectations for pupils.
Actions to Enhance Education Quality: Leaders drive improvements; ensure best provision through staff training.
Managing Bullying and Ensuring Safety: Robust systems are in place to monitor and address safety concerns.
Behaviour and Attitudes of Pupils: Pupils feel safe and are taught to manage their feelings.
Promoting Pupils' Welfare and Safety: Staff have up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and engage closely with families.
Managing Bullying and Ensuring Safety: Pupils feel safe and supported; staff resolve worries quickly.
Promoting Pupils' Welfare and Safety: Strong focus on welfare; promotes understanding of equality.
Extracurricular Activities & Clubs: A broad range of activities motivate pupils and enhance learning.
Balancing Academics with Extracurriculars: The curriculum includes work experience and community links.
Outdoor Facilities: Whole-school activities like sports day are inclusive.
Extracurricular Activities & Clubs: Rich extracurricular activities enhance social and academic skills.
Career Counselling Services: Pupils are given opportunities to develop skills for future employment.
Preparation for Next Key Stage: Older pupils demonstrate confidence in accessing work experience and college.
Career Counselling Services: World of Work Programme offers many opportunities for future success.
Support for SEND: Individual learning plans and expert staff enable independence.
Support for SEND: Comprehensive support for SEND ensures pupils thrive academically and socially.
Subjects Offered: Engaging curriculum with a broad range of activities tailored to individual needs.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
The Castle School is a All-through, Co-Ed school located in Berkshire, South East.
It has 180 students from age 3-19 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 5 : 1.
This school rated Outstanding by recent Ofsted inspection.
Type of SEN provision
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The Castle School
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From the The Castle School
to build a joyful, safe, and exciting learning atmosphere that will inspire and challenge our students to advance their knowledge and abilities to the fullest and offer the greatest education possible.
The Castle School exists to offer students from West Berkshire and elsewhere a loving, supportive, and exceptional learning environment.
Our main goals are to respect the rights of all students and to educate, inspire, and motivate all children with special needs. We also strive to provide a high-quality educational experience that promotes equality for everyone.
It is our responsibility to encourage young people to reach their goals and to offer the assistance necessary for our students to grow into resilient, independent, and self-assured community members.
Inspire all of our students to be enquiring and eager to learn, both now and in the future.
encourage the development of dependable citizens who positively impact their community and the world.
set high standards for all aspects of learning and foster an environment that allows our students to succeed.
Our students are empowered and given the tools they need to live successful, independent lives as adults.
through a well-differentiated comprehensive, balanced, and exciting curriculum, supplying each learner with the abilities, resiliency, drive, and passion necessary to be successful and happy.
Please don't hesitate to call Jon Hewitt, the headteacher, at the school number 01635 42976 if you would like to talk about any element of the school or would want to visit.
Read more
The Castle School exists to offer students from West Berkshire and elsewhere a loving, supportive, and exceptional learning environment.
Our main goals are to respect the rights of all students and to educate, inspire, and motivate all children with special needs. We also strive to provide a high-quality educational experience that promotes equality for everyone.
It is our responsibility to encourage young people to reach their goals and to offer the assistance necessary for our students to grow into resilient, independent, and self-assured community members.
Inspire all of our students to be enquiring and eager to learn, both now and in the future.
encourage the development of dependable citizens who positively impact their community and the world.
set high standards for all aspects of learning and foster an environment that allows our students to succeed.
Our students are empowered and given the tools they need to live successful, independent lives as adults.
through a well-differentiated comprehensive, balanced, and exciting curriculum, supplying each learner with the abilities, resiliency, drive, and passion necessary to be successful and happy.
Please don't hesitate to call Jon Hewitt, the headteacher, at the school number 01635 42976 if you would like to talk about any element of the school or would want to visit.
Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | All-through | All-through | All-through |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Special Schools | Special Schools | Special Schools |
| Snobe grade |
B-
|
C
|
-
|
| Ofset report | Outstanding | Good | Outstanding |
| Age range | 3-19 | 4-19 | 5-20 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 5.1 | - | - |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | - | 20% | - |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | - | 4.30% | - |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
Primary Exam Result
View the average scaled scores of pupils in the key stage 2 reading and math tests. Scores of 100 or more indicate the expected standard, while 110 or more indicate a higher standard.
| Average scaled score | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | - | 93 | 97 |
| Reading | - | 95 | 98 |
Explore how well our pupils are doing academically. Discover the percentage of pupils who reach the expected level (with a score of 100 or more) and those who excel even further (achieving a score of 110 or more).
| Reading, writing and maths | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils meeting the expected standard | 0% | 50.44% | 55.96% |
| Pupils achieving at a higher standard | 0% | 8.46% | 7.42% |
Explore how much progress pupils have made in reading, writing, and math from key stage 1 to key stage 2.
| Subject | Progress score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | -4 | Well Below Average |
| Writing | -3.9 | Below Average |
| Maths | -3.9 | Below Average |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic 2020, 2021 and 2022 Primary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic 2020, 2021 and 2022 Primary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic 2020, 2021 and 2022 Primary school exam
results were not published at school level.
View the average scaled scores of pupils in the key stage 2 reading and math tests. Scores of 100 or more indicate the expected standard, while 110 or more indicate a higher standard.
| Average scaled score | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | - | 100 | 96 |
| Reading | - | 101 | 95 |
Explore how well our pupils are doing academically. Discover the percentage of pupils who reach the expected level (with a score of 100 or more) and those who excel even further (achieving a score of 110 or more).
| Reading, writing and maths | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils meeting the expected standard | 0% | 61.82% | 60.44% |
| Pupils achieving at a higher standard | 0% | 11.95% | 9.72% |
Explore how much progress pupils have made in reading, writing, and math from key stage 1 to key stage 2.
| Subject | Progress score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | -1.4 | Below Average |
| Writing | -1.1 | Below Average |
| Maths | -2.2 | Below Average |
View the average scaled scores of pupils in the key stage 2 reading and math tests. Scores of 100 or more indicate the expected standard, while 110 or more indicate a higher standard.
| Average scaled score | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | - | 95 | 94 |
| Reading | - | 97 | 95 |
Explore how well our pupils are doing academically. Discover the percentage of pupils who reach the expected level (with a score of 100 or more) and those who excel even further (achieving a score of 110 or more).
| Reading, writing and maths | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils meeting the expected standard | 0% | 62.33% | 59.51% |
| Pupils achieving at a higher standard | 0% | 11.87% | 9.16% |
Explore how much progress pupils have made in reading, writing, and math from key stage 1 to key stage 2.
| Subject | Progress score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | - | - |
| Writing | -4.7 | Well Below Average |
| Maths | - | - |
View the average scaled scores of pupils in the key stage 2 reading and math tests. Scores of 100 or more indicate the expected standard, while 110 or more indicate a higher standard.
| Average scaled score | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maths | - | 93 | 93 |
| Reading | - | 94 | 93 |
Explore how well our pupils are doing academically. Discover the percentage of pupils who reach the expected level (with a score of 100 or more) and those who excel even further (achieving a score of 110 or more).
| Reading, writing and maths | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils meeting the expected standard | 0% | 57.24% | 56.29% |
| Pupils achieving at a higher standard | 0% | 9.79% | 8.19% |
Explore how much progress pupils have made in reading, writing, and math from key stage 1 to key stage 2.
| Subject | Progress score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | -4.5 | Well Below Average |
| Writing | -3.8 | Below Average |
| Maths | -5.3 | Well Below Average |
Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | - | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 25.71% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 38.24% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | - | 24.05% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | - | 10.29% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | - | 15.48% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | - | 2.9 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 91% | 95.58% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 11 | 138 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 91% | 88.08% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 9% | 19.5% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 0% | 42.25% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 2.92% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 82% | 23.67% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 0% | 3.08% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 0% | 4.33% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | - | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 30.9% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 42.5% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | - | 20.7% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | - | 11.8% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | - | 15.6% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | - | 3.09 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 100% | 96.83% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 14 | 143 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 100% | 93.33% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 0% | 19.58% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 0% | 46.42% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 4.42% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 100% | 22.92% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 0% | 1.75% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 0% | 1.75% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | - | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 24.24% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 35.29% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | - | 25.1% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | - | 11.14% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | - | 16.52% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | - | 2.7 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 93% | 96.27% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 14 | 135 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 86% | 86.55% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 7% | 20.91% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 0% | 39% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 2.73% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 79% | 23.91% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 0% | 4.09% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 7% | 5.91% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | - | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 24.05% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 35.85% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | - | 22.55% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | - | 11.75% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | - | 15.75% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | - | 2.62 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | - | 85.36% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 9 | 139 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | - | 68.45% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | - | 18.45% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | - | 37.45% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0.18% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 9.09% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 3.09% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 2.27% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | - | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | - | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 23.21% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | - | 33.42% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | - | 23.32% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | - | 13.79% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | - | 15.05% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school – whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 100% | 97% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 15 | 147 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 100% | 75.6% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | - | 21.7% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | - | 42.5% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 2.3% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | 93% | 25.8% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | - | 3.5% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | - | 2.4% | 2.45% |
How Do We Calculate Rankings?
Our school rankings are meticulously determined through a rigorous process:
This meticulous process ensures our rankings provide accurate and meaningful insights for your school choices.
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 25th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 20th Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 22nd Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 23rd Jul 2025 - 29th Aug 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 4th Sep 2024 - 24th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 19th Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 23rd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 22nd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
5 : 1
Student teacher ratio at The Castle School
Local authority ratio 18 : 1