Castle Hall Academy
Mirfield, WF14 9PH · Kirklees · secondary school
Check the area around this school
11th of 25 secondary schools in Kirklees we can score, 27 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 — 7.1/10 against 664 of them, against 5.5/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 46.5 · 54 | 30% | 1.63 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.15 · 60 | 25% | 1.51 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.1 · 45 | 10% | 0.45 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Castle Hall Academy overview
How it's doing
Castle Hall Academy is rated Good by Ofsted, last inspected in 2023. In 2024/25, 38.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.15 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 863 pupils against a stated capacity of 870. 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
Since the last inspection was in 2023, what specific improvements have been made to the curriculum since then? How does the school support pupils in raising their Attainment 8 scores further?
What Ofsted said about Castle Hall Academy
Overview
Castle Hall Academy is described as an “ambitious, welcoming and inclusive school” where leaders have successfully addressed the weaknesses of its predecessor. The report highlights a “high-quality curriculum” and a culture of pride, noting that the school is now a “source of pride for everyone in the wider community.”
Strengths
- Pupils are “happy and safe,” with staff quickly addressing any concerns about bullying.
- Teachers possess “strong subject knowledge” and use assessment data to help pupils catch up on gaps in learning.
- There is a strong focus on reading, with “many, regular opportunities” for pupils to engage with texts.
- Personal development is strengthened, helping pupils build “aspirations, confidence and self-belief” for their future careers.
- Staff value the “support, training and guidance” provided to realise the school’s vision for excellence.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must closely monitor strategies to improve attendance, as some pupils miss out on important learning.
- Senior leaders should enable pastoral and academic leaders to work together more effectively to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff knowing how to report concerns and leaders making “prompt” referrals to ensure pupils receive necessary support.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 41.8 |
| 2024/25 | 46.9 |
| 2025/26 | 45.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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