The Castle Rock School

Overview

The Castle Rock School is described as being on a "rapid journey of improvement" since joining the Lionheart Educational Trust, with leadership rated at a "Strong standard" for its strategic approach. Most other aspects of the school, including achievement, attendance, and curriculum, are rated at an "Expected standard," reflecting a "calm, purposeful and welcoming environment" where pupils feel safe and valued.

Strengths

• Leaders have created a "culture of high expectations" and a "purposeful, calm culture" that significantly improves attendance and pupil engagement.
• Staff benefit from a "highly effective culture of professional development" and appreciate being involved in decisions impacting their work.
• The curriculum is "ambitious, broad and balanced," with a strong focus on reading and writing that prepares pupils well for future learning.
• Pastoral support is "well matched to the needs of pupils," helping them feel "understood, valued and included."
• Pupils demonstrate "secure progress" in their learning and are generally well prepared for their next steps in education or employment.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure that "high-quality teaching across all subjects and in all year groups" is consistently embedded to increase pupil achievement.
• The personal development offer needs strengthening so that all pupils, including sixth-form students, deepen their understanding of "fundamental British values."

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.