State School
#1 in Best Secondary Schools in Somerset West and Taunton
The Castle School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
The Castle School
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The Castle School
- Secondary
- Somerset West and Taunton TA1 5AU
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Ofsted report
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Outstanding
| The quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Pupils remember what they have learned and feel confident to tackle complex ideas or problems.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils conduct themselves sensibly and are respectful of one another.
Qualifications and Training: Teachers have expert knowledge of the subjects that they teach.
Current Educational Practices: Staff get the training they need to continually develop.
Strengths and Challenges: Teachers explain new learning clearly so that pupils build on what they already know.
Opportunities for Involvement: The views of pupils, parents and staff are actively sought and acted upon.
Communication: Inspectors considered responses to Ofsted鈥檚 online survey, Ofsted Parent View.
Parent Satisfaction: Highly ambitious for all pupils; parents鈥� views actively sought.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: The way that the school develops pupils鈥� characters contributes strongly to the excellent standards of behaviour.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders ensure that pupils revisit key learning often and can apply what they know.
Managing Bullying and Safety: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: Pupils who need to improve their behaviour get support to do so; underlying causes tackled.
Extracurricular Offerings: The multitude of clubs are very well attended.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: Myriad trips provide a breadth of different opportunities, including cultural, academic and sporting.
Outdoor Facilities: Pupils explore their passions and interests, including long swordsmanship, Doctor Who and basketball.
Career Counselling Services: High-quality careers information, advice and guidance.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Prepares pupils well for their next stages in employment, education or training.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Pupils with SEND achieve very well.
Historical Ofsted reports
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About Us
The Castle School is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Somerset, South West.
It has 1204 students from age 11-19 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 16 : 1.
At this school, 54% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
This school rated Outstanding by recent Ofsted inspection.
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The Castle School
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From the The Castle School
Children often find joining a new school to be exciting, and we are eager to welcome our new pupils to The Castle School.
We are available to assist in making the transition between schools successful and advantageous for everyone.
We take great delight in how welcoming the school is and how tight the staff-student relationships are.
We strongly encourage a family atmosphere at our school and think that parents of both existing and prospective students should always be able to inspect it.
Over a long period of time, The Castle School built up an excellent track record of academic accomplishment and was given various honours in appreciation.
The Houses, Balmoral, Buckingham, Caernarvon, Lancaster, Sandringham, and Windsor, play a significant role in ensuring that no kid at The Castle School is invisible, making it the more crucial to never lose sight of each student's uniqueness.
The strong sense of family and tradition that we foster at the school is strengthened by the fact that many of our children join the House that their siblings do.
Please attend one of our Open Mornings if you want to learn more about the school.
Read more
We are available to assist in making the transition between schools successful and advantageous for everyone.
We take great delight in how welcoming the school is and how tight the staff-student relationships are.
We strongly encourage a family atmosphere at our school and think that parents of both existing and prospective students should always be able to inspect it.
Over a long period of time, The Castle School built up an excellent track record of academic accomplishment and was given various honours in appreciation.
The Houses, Balmoral, Buckingham, Caernarvon, Lancaster, Sandringham, and Windsor, play a significant role in ensuring that no kid at The Castle School is invisible, making it the more crucial to never lose sight of each student's uniqueness.
The strong sense of family and tradition that we foster at the school is strengthened by the fact that many of our children join the House that their siblings do.
Please attend one of our Open Mornings if you want to learn more about the school.
Gallery
Compare with similar schools
| Phase of Education | Secondary | Secondary | Secondary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Academies | Academies | Academies |
| 夜来香研究所 grade |
A-
|
B-
|
C+
|
| Ofset report | Outstanding | Good | Requires Improvement |
| Age range | 11-19 | 11-16 | 11-16 |
| Gender | Co-Ed | Co-Ed | Co-Ed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student teacher ratio | 16.6 | 15.1 | 20.1 |
| Proficient Math | - | - | - |
| Proficient Read | - | - | - |
| Grade 5 or above GCSE | 54% | 48% | 23% |
| Grade 5 or above A Level | - | - | - |
| Day Fees | - | - | - |
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 | 0.21 | 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 | 53.1 | 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 | 54% | 17.73% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 74% | 28.29% | 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% | 12.54% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 13% | 4.2% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 18% | 6.71% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.48 | 2.11 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 96% | 83.66% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 240 | 128 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 86% | 74.09% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 84% | 56.94% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 1% | 10.03% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0.09% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 7.19% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 5.5% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 7% | 4% | 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 | 0.21 | 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 | 55.1 | 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 | 66% | 22.7% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 82% | 32.39% | 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 | 24% | 13.3% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 12% | 6.35% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 15% | 8.98% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.69 | 2.35 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 97% | 89.19% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 235 | 123 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 93% | 82.69% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 26% | 51.94% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 3% | 10.88% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 64% | 10.53% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 9.41% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 4.56% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 2% | 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 | 0.19 | 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 | 53 | 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 | 57% 5 | 19.25% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 80% 2 | 30.4% | 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 | 30% | 15.71% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 21% 4 | 6.02% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 26% 9 | 9.65% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.58 | 2.33 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 96% | 87.96% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 238 | 129 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 90% | 78.77% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 31% | 50.27% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 1% | 12.58% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 57% | 12.5% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 3.62% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 2% | 5.88% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 3.31% | 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 | 0.24 | 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 | 52.6 | 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 | 52% 3 | 20.36% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 78% 5 | 32.6% | 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 | 45% | 14.96% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 25% 9 | 5.73% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 35% 17 | 8.93% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.57 | 2.4 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 97% | 84.63% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 239 | 133 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 92% | 75.78% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 23% | 47.78% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | - | 10.67% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | 66% | 8.3% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 5.3% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 3% | 4.78% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 1% | 2.56% | 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 | 0.04 | 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 | 51 | 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 | 49% | 21.74% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 73% | 34.72% | 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 | 22% | 15.65% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 16% | 8.26% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 18% | 9.74% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� 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 | 97% | 87.5% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 235 | 144 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 95% | 70.85% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 27% | 53.35% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | 2% | 14.23% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | 65% | 10.46% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | 1% | 5.46% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 6% | 8% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 2% | 2.23% | 2.45% |
Best Schools 2025
The Castle School Rankings
夜来香研究所 ranks nearly 20,000+ schools according to their exam results, teaching quality, resources & many more indicators. (How Do We Calculate Rankings?)
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Admission
Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 28th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 3rd Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 24th Jul 2025 - 1st Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 3rd Sep 2024 - 27th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 4th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 23rd Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
16 : 1
Student teacher ratio at The Castle School
Local authority ratio 19 : 1
