The Castle School
Taunton, TA1 5AU · Somerset · secondary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 28 secondary schools in Somerset we can score, 35 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 the 639 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.6/10 among them, against 8.2/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 57.3 · 78 | 30% | 2.33 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.6 · 88 | 25% | 2.20 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.7 · 80 | 10% | 0.80 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Castle School overview
How it's doing
The school holds an Outstanding Ofsted rating from November 2023. In 2024/25, 57.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 53.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.6 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.7 out of 10 among them, against 8.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join creative writing, public speaking, debating, Warhammer, photography, and language clubs. Music provision includes choirs, orchestras, a mini orchestra, woodwind groups, a steel pan group, Indonesian Gamelan workshops, and rock/pop bands. Trips include outdoor education, university visits, art galleries, theatre, concerts, and orchestras.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,207 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,188. 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for university, given the regular visits? What are the specific
What Ofsted said about The Castle School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils "flourish" within a "warm, friendly and harmonious" atmosphere. Leaders maintain "very high expectations," resulting in "exemplary" behaviour and a curriculum that is "broad and highly ambitious."
Strengths
- The curriculum ensures pupils "remember what they have learned" and feel "confident to tackle complex ideas or problems."
- Teachers possess "expert knowledge," explain learning clearly, and "rapidly identify and close any gaps" in understanding.
- Pupils receive "exceptional personal development," learning to challenge unacceptable attitudes through initiatives like the ‘not at my school’ work.
- The approach to reading is "highly ambitious," with early readers receiving "precise support" to develop accuracy and fluency.
- Pupils are "proud to represent the school," taking on leadership roles and making a "tangible contribution" to the wider community.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 55.3 |
| 2024/25 | 53.4 |
| 2025/26 | 52.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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