Castledon School

  • Special
  • Academy
  • Ages 5 to 19
Ofsted judgements: Outstanding

Bromfords Drive, Wickford, SS12 0PWOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Castledon School is a special school in Wickford for ages 5 to 19. It is one of the 604 schools in Essex. Its latest Ofsted inspection, in July 2025, graded each key judgement and gave no overall Ofsted rating.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 8 July 2025, report published 8 September 2025

This inspection graded each key judgement and gave no overall effectiveness grade.

Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 8 July 2025

Pupils flourish at this highly successful school. Staff prepare pupils exceptionally well for life beyond the school. This is because staff have a thorough understanding of pupils' individual needs and aspirations. Staff have very high expectations of what pupils and students can do and achieve. Pupils live up to these expectations because staff nurture, help and guide pupils to success. In class, pupils focus on their learning. Pupils get the right help and behaviour support at the right time. Whether it is staff standing back as pupils work independently or effective one-to-one guidance, expert staff know what to do to get the most out of pupils. If a pupil struggles, adults get them quickly back on track. Pupils show high levels of respect to adults and each other. Their behaviour is exemplary. They play well together on the outdoor equipment or socialise in the sixth-form common room. The school carefully helps pupils build their confidence and independence. There is an exceptional array of well-considered activities and experiences that complement school life. From residentials, to trips abroad and driving lessons, each activity is meticulously planned and takes pupils beyond their day-to-day lives.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

12 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 62 percentage points below the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths0%

0%, 8 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Pupil numbers and mix

239 pupils on roll, with places for 290

Eligible for free school meals41.8%

41.8%, 15.3 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language3.3%

3.3%, 18.3 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support0%

0%, 14.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan100%

100%, 94 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near Castledon School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Lift Pioneer2 milesOfsted: Outstanding0% met the expected standard
Glenwood School3 milesOfsted: Outstanding0% met the expected standard
Ramsden Hall Academy3 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 4.2
Omnia Foundation3 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Cedar Hall School4 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 0.7

School details

School type
Academy special converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
ZENITH MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
5 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Mr Simon Holliday
Address
Bromfords Drive, Wickford, SS12 0PW
Local authority
Essex
URN
141765

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.