Castle Mead School
Trowbridge, BA14 6GD · Wiltshire · primary school
Check the area around this school
90th of 181 primary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 201 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 — 4.7/10 against 2,600 of them, against 4.1/10 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 | 60.0 · 39 | 40% | 1.56 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Castle Mead School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 60.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 6.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
An after-school club is available for pupils.
Getting in
The published school roll is 357 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
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities take place during the after-school club? How does the school maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Castle Mead School
Overview
Castle Mead School is described as an inclusive environment where relationships are "positive and respectful" and pupils are proud of their community. Leaders have designed an "ambitious" curriculum that effectively builds knowledge, particularly in reading and mathematics, while ensuring pupils with special educational needs are well supported. The school fosters a calm atmosphere where pupils enjoy their education and feel safe.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious" with important concepts woven throughout, allowing pupils to "build on knowledge they already have".
- Reading is "at the heart of the curriculum," with successful phonics teaching and a wide variety of books that help pupils develop fluency and a love of reading.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported and learn successfully," with staff planning around their specific talents and interests.
- Personal development is enhanced through "rich extra-curricular opportunities," including clubs and visits, making pupils "articulate about citizenship".
- Staff feel valued, with leaders considering their "well-being and workload," leading to high staff pride and rigorous attendance tracking.
Areas to improve
- Teaching does not always identify pupils’ misconceptions as they arise, particularly for those in the early stages of learning to read, which can hinder future learning.
- Leaders should ensure staff have the expertise to "check pupils’ understanding of the curriculum and swiftly remedy any misunderstandings."
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is "effective," with rigorous recruitment procedures, appropriate staff training, and close collaboration with external agencies to secure support for pupils and families.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 38% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 60% |
| 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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