Ark Castledown Primary Academy
Hastings, TN34 3QT · East Sussex · primary school
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3rd of 130 primary schools in East Sussex we can score, 144 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.8/10 against 1,022 of them, against 7.4/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 78.0 · 84 | 40% | 3.36 |
| Ofsted | 93 | 35% | 3.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark Castledown Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 78.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in November 2025 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join Computing, Illustration, Target Games, Dance, Ball Games, Drama, Textiles, and Gardening Clubs. Sports include basketball, netball, football, racket games, and scooters, with entry to the Hastings football tournament. Arts activities feature choir, dance, the Time to Dance Festival, the Ark Music Gala, and Carols at Emmanuel Church. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 403 pupils against a stated capacity of 480. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the higher standard?
What Ofsted said about Ark Castledown Primary Academy
Overview
Ark Castledown Primary Academy is described as an “extremely inclusive school” where pupils “thrive” and possess a “clear sense of belonging.” The report highlights that leaders maintain a “highly determined, coordinated approach” to support pupils with diverse needs, resulting in high standards of achievement and well-being.
Strengths
- Inclusion is rated “Exceptional,” with staff acting as “experts in using the best strategies to reduce barriers and aid success” for pupils with special educational needs.
- Pupils “achieve well,” with attainment in reading, writing, and mathematics being “above average” and disadvantaged pupils outperforming national peers.
- Attendance and behaviour are rated “Strong standard,” with “extremely positive” behaviour, rare bullying, and “notable improvements in attendance over time.”
- The curriculum is “very ambitious” and “taught consistently well,” ensuring pupils’ knowledge deepens and they are “very well prepared for their next stage of education.”
- Staff feel “very well supported with their workload and wellbeing” and “love working at the school.”
Areas to improve
- Leaders should “continue with their strategy and implementation of ensuring sustained high attendance for all pupils.”
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility” so that “pupils are made safer and feel safe.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 78% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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