The Castle School

The Castle School has been evaluated as continuing to be outstanding, demonstrating a strong and effective educational environment particularly for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school excels in creating a supportive community where pupils feel safe and valued, allowing them to thrive academically and socially. The curriculum is not only broad but also highly effective, tailored to meet each pupil's individual needs and helping them achieve their personal goals. With numerous enrichment activities and a focus on personal development, students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.

Strengths

• Students are exceptionally well prepared for their futures.
• The school provides an ambitious and broad curriculum.
• Staff deliver content in an accessible way catering to individual needs.
• The school promotes a strong love of reading among pupils.
• Pupils develop strong social and academic skills through various enrichment activities.
• There is a harmonious atmosphere with exceptional pupil behavior.
• Effective support for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• A comprehensive communication program enhances pupil interaction.
• The school fosters independence and prepares pupils for active citizenship.

In 2024–25 pupils at The Castle School attended 87.4% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 42.0% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2024–25, 4.0% of pupils at The Castle School were suspended at least once (nationally 5.1%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2025–26 The Castle School had 5.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.6). Of its teachers in 2024–25, 16.4% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 14.5%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 The Castle School had 228 pupils, 100.0% of them with an education, health and care (EHC) plan (nationally 99.5%).

It says it provides for: specific learning difficulty; moderate learning difficulty; severe learning difficulty; profound and multiple learning difficulty; speech, language and communication needs; hearing impairment; vision impairment; multi-sensory impairment; physical disability; autistic spectrum disorder; other difficulty or disability.

Pupils by main type of need

Source: Department for Education, Special educational needs in England (the 2025–26 school census). SEN support is extra help in school without an EHC plan. National figures are for all state-funded special school schools. Counts are as published, with small numbers not hidden.

In 2025–26 The Castle School received £34,106 and spent £32,211 for each of its 228 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £1,232,000 (£5,405 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

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• Secondary Schools

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What is The Castle School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Castle School is Outstanding, from an inspection in June 2024.

When was The Castle School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Castle School was last inspected in June 2024.

How many pupils does The Castle School have?

The Castle School has 228 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Castle School cover?

The Castle School for pupils aged 3 to 19.

What are The Castle School's SATs (KS2) results?

In 2025, 0% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths.

Where is The Castle School?

The Castle School is at Love Lane, Donnington, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2JG.