Castle Academy
Northampton, NN1 2TR · West Northamptonshire · primary school
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81st of 138 primary schools in West Northamptonshire we can score, 147 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.1/10 against 3,450 of them, against 5.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 13 | 35% | 0.45 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Castle Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in May 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in climbing, archery, curling, and caving.
Getting in
The published school roll is 455 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard? How are the climbing and archery clubs scheduled during the school day?
What Ofsted said about Castle Academy
Overview
Castle Academy is described as a "harmonious oasis of calm" where pupils are "immensely proud" and feel safe. The report highlights a "strong standard" in attendance, behaviour, and personal development, with an "expected standard" in achievement, curriculum, and leadership.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "strong standard," with absence rates "consistently lower than the national average" and a "calm environment that is highly conducive to learning."
- Personal development is "highly effective," with pupils speaking "confidently about banter, consent and respect for personal boundaries" and understanding fundamental British values.
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and "well designed," enabling pupils to "build knowledge logically over time" and achieve especially well in mathematics.
- Staff foster "warm, nurturing relationships" in the early years, helping children develop "security and belonging" quickly.
- Leaders provide "high-quality training" and coaching, creating a culture where staff feel "well supported" and confident in their career development.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure staff deliver the curriculum "consistently well," as some adaptations for pupils with additional needs "occasionally lack precision."
- Staff in the early years must "maximise children’s engagement and learning through consistent and deliberate high-quality interactions."
- Leaders need to "robustly monitor and review their inclusion strategies" to ensure they have the intended impact, particularly for disadvantaged pupils.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring 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 | 57% |
| 2023/24 | 69% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| 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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