The Castle Rock School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 January 2026

Pupils experience a calm, purposeful and welcoming environment. They are well known and cared for by staff. The comprehensive pastoral support the school provides helps pupils to feel understood, valued and included. Many pupils are happy at school and, as a result, attend well. They are kept safe and are warmly welcomed by committed staff who they respect. Staff model the values and behaviour they expect pupils to show. Pupils respond by being polite and respectful towards each other. Bullying is rare, and pupils are confident that staff will sort out any problems or concerns they may have. Pupils’ conduct around the school is generally mature and orderly. Students in the sixth form have positive relationships with staff and their peers, reflecting the positive culture of the school. Pupils are engaged in their lessons and make secure progress in their learning. Teachers know pupils’ starting points and structure learning carefully to build understanding of the subjects they study. As a result, pupils typically achieve in line with national expectations and are well prepared for their next steps in education. Staff know about pupils’ individual circumstances and any challenges they face, so they can support them in lessons. Effective provision is made to address these barriers and meet pupils’ needs well. This enables pupils to feel part of the day-to-day life of the school. The support for families that the school provides means that many parents and carers are positive about the school. One parent, summing up the views of others, said, ‘It’s exciting being part of Castle Rock at the moment!’ The personal development programme helps pupils’ understanding of difference and gives them the confidence to be themselves. Pupils have access to opportunities, experiences and clubs that develop their talents and interests. They value these and make use of what is available.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue to embed their plans to share good practice from subject areas and ensure that high-quality teaching across all subjects and in all year groups leads to increasing pupil achievement.
• Leaders should strengthen the personal development offer by ensuring that all pupils, including students in the sixth form, deepen their understanding of fundamental British values.

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