Redcastle Family School
Thetford, IP24 3PU · Norfolk · primary school
Check the area around this school
89th of 281 primary schools in Norfolk we can score, 343 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 — 5.3/10 against 1,963 of them, against 4.4/10 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 | 70.0 · 65 | 40% | 2.61 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Redcastle Family School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 70.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football and the RFS Choir.
Getting in
The published school roll is 277 pupils against a stated capacity of 302. 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 not yet reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific steps are taken to maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Redcastle Family School
Overview
Redcastle Family School is described as a ‘family’ school where pupils are “happy, safe and enjoy learning.” The report highlights positive relationships, with adults who “care deeply for pupils” and know them well, fostering an environment where children are valued as individuals. Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with effective leadership and strong behaviour.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “clearly and deliberately” designed, allowing pupils to develop “rich and detailed knowledge” in many subjects.
- Reading is given “high priority,” with well-trained teachers ensuring youngest pupils become “accurate and fluent readers.”
- Early years provision is excellent, with adults skilled at supporting children’s language development and ensuring they are “well cared for.”
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from “carefully adapted activities” and receive excellent support in the specialist resource base.
- Governors provide effective support, asking “challenging questions” and making regular visits to verify how well the school operates.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must identify the “precise knowledge” pupils need in a small number of subjects where staff lack a unified understanding of what to teach.
- ‘Individual learning plans’ for pupils with SEND need to be more specific, identifying exactly what pupils will learn so leaders can check if support is effective.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “well-established culture of vigilance” and comprehensive checks on adults starting work in the school.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 71% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 70% |
| 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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