Castlefields Primary School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 12 May 2026

Pupils enjoy coming to Castlefields and feel that they belong. Positive relationships with staff help them to feel safe. Pupils include one another naturally. For example, they organise their own playground games and make sure no one is left out. This helps to create a welcoming and friendly school community. Pupils achieve generally well as they move through the school and are well prepared for secondary school. They approach learning with enthusiasm. This is because they benefit from a curriculum that is engaging and includes practical experiences. Visits to places such as museums, the zoo and the beach help pupils apply and remember important knowledge and skills. Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities are included in all aspects of school life. They access lessons, clubs and trips alongside their peers. Targeted support helps them to make steady progress from their starting points. Disadvantaged pupils benefit from opportunities that broaden their experiences and support their learning well. The school values of teamwork, empathy, respect, ambition, resilience and independence are reflected in pupils’ actions. Pupils are very well mannered and polite in lessons, as well as around school. Bullying is rare. Should it occur, it is dealt with fairly and quickly. Pupils attend regularly because they enjoy school and understand why attendance matters. Pupils learn how to keep themselves safe. They understand online risks, road safety and know when to seek help. They enjoy the many leadership opportunities, such as school council roles, wellbeing ambassador and librarian. These help pupils to take responsibility. Pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities beyond lessons. Clubs such as disco dodgeball, football and technology are popular. A residential trip in North Wales helps older pupils build confidence and to work as a team. Raising money for local charities and participation in local projects help pupils understand how they can contribute to society.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should ensure that teaching consistently builds on pupils’ prior knowledge and that adaptations are applied well, so younger pupils and those with additional barriers to learning deepen their knowledge across the curriculum.
• Leaders should ensure that learning in the early years consistently supports children’s development by building on prior knowledge and strengthening understanding across all areas of learning.
• School and trust leaders should refine monitoring so that it identifies less secure practice more precisely, particularly in foundation subjects. This is so leaders can secure consistent teaching and expectations across the curriculum.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)