Castle Wood Academy
Gainsborough, DN21 1EH · Lincolnshire · primary school
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181st of 252 primary schools in Lincolnshire we can score, 279 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 — 2.0/10 against 2,028 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Castle Wood Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 40.0% 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 5.0% 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 (2.0 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club, an Acorns After-School Club, yoga, drawing, and lego challenges.
Getting in
The published school roll is 272 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 to close the gap between the current 40.0% attainment rate and the national median? What specific strategies are used to raise the 5.0% higher standard figure? How does the 2024 inspection report guide current teaching practices?
What Ofsted said about Castle Wood Academy
Overview
Castle Wood Academy is described as an "inclusive and welcoming school" where pupils are "enthusiastic about the school" and feel safe. The inspection found that most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, meet high expectations, with a strong focus on reading and positive behaviour.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate respect for others, understanding that it is "OK to be different" and engaging positively with fundamental British values.
- Teachers deliver an "ambitious curriculum" with clear knowledge of what to teach, using questioning and modelling to address misconceptions.
- There is a strong culture of reading, with phonics delivered from the start and books "appropriately matched to suit pupils’ reading ability."
- Children in the early years benefit from "clearly established routines" and a "carefully designed environment" that encourages independent learning.
- Leaders are "quick to identify the reasons" when achievement falls short and take effective action to raise attainment.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure "robust oversight of all areas of the school’s provision" as current monitoring is not consistently clear, affecting strategies for disadvantaged pupils.
- Staff need training to provide "timely feedback" that helps pupils "deepen and improve their understanding," as current feedback does not always guide improvement.
- Teachers should "clearly explain the connections between the different topics" to help pupils recall and connect their learning over time.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 40% |
| 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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