Castle Primary School
Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, TA14 6RE · Somerset · primary school
Check the area around this school
88th of 156 primary schools in Somerset we can score, 219 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 — 3.6/10 against 2,470 of them, against 3.4/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
Castle Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 8.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (3.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 136 pupils against a stated capacity of 175. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in reading? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the gap in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Castle Primary School
Overview
Castle Primary School is described as a "caring school" where pupils feel "happy and safe" and are treated equally. The report highlights a clear leadership vision and strong community links, noting that the quality of education is "stronger than is evident in the most recent published outcomes."
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate "positive attitudes to learning," are "polite and confident," and have "strong bonds" with staff.
- The mathematics curriculum has been significantly improved to be "progressive and coherent," with targeted support ensuring pupils do not fall behind.
- Early years provision fosters a "love of reading," with children learning phonics quickly and reading with "fluency."
- The wider curriculum is "well planned," particularly in history, where pupils make links between past events and modern times.
- The school is "inclusive," with pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) learning alongside peers with adapted support.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must assess the long-term impact of the new mathematics curriculum to ensure it is "securely embedded" and continues to strengthen knowledge.
- Leaders need to ensure all staff receive adequate training, as some lack the "expert subject knowledge" required to teach certain subjects with precision, leading to gaps in pupil knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," supported by a "strong safeguarding culture," regular staff training, and robust record-keeping.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 55% |
| 2023/24 | 38% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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