The Castle School

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AUOpen in maps

The Castle School is a secondary school in Taunton for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 301 schools in Somerset. It ranks 1st of 4 secondary schools in Taunton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in October 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 3 October 2023, report published 23 November 2023

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Safeguarding
Met

Read the full Ofsted report

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 3 October 2023

Pupils flourish at The Castle School. Staff care about them and have very high expectations of pupils. Pupils feel valued as individuals within the school 'family'. The behaviour of pupils is exemplary. They strive to live in accordance with the school's ethos. Pupils are courteous and helpful to their peers. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and harmonious. The school provides pupils with a rich set of experiences. The multitude of clubs are very well attended. As a result, pupils explore their passions and interests, including long swordsmanship, Doctor Who and basketball. Myriad trips provide a breadth of different opportunities, including cultural, academic and sporting. The school ensures that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those who are disadvantaged take part in clubs and trips. Pupils are proud to represent the school. They aspire to the many leadership positions available to them. Roles such as house or sports captain and librarian are highly prized. Pupils make a tangible contribution to the life of the school and wider community. For instance, they raise funds for charities and volunteer in the community. Pupils instigated and led a support group for Ukrainian refugees and a recent event to celebrate different cultures.

Read the full Ofsted report

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

239 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score53.4

53.4, 7.3 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths57.7%

57.7%, 12.3 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths79.5%

79.5%, 14.7 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc30.1%

30.1%, 10.4 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.72

4.72, 0.63 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

1,207 pupils on roll, with places for 1,188

Eligible for free school meals13.3%

13.3%, 13.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language13.9%

13.9%, 7.7 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support11%

11%, 3.8 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.8%

2.8%, 3.2 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Castle School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Taunton School0.7 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 18.4
Queen's College1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 57.4
King's College Taunton1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 35.8
Richard Huish College1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Bishop Fox's School1 mileOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.9

School details

School type
Academy converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Jamie Wordsworth
Phone
01823274073
Website
castleschool.co.uk
Address
Wellington Road, Taunton, TA1 5AU
Local authority
Somerset
URN
136916

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.