The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 53.4 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023
- The school is at capacity (101% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
53.4
9.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
58%
15.9pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
30%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 239 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
16% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 106 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–19
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,202
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 12.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Somerset
- Trust
- BLACKDOWN EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
- Head
- Mr James Lamb (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Outstanding
2 official reports linked on this page, including 1 earlier report.
Location
Wellington Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 5AU
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is The Castle School a selective school?
No. The Castle School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Castle School's Ofsted rating?
The Castle School was rated Outstanding at its most recent inspection in October 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Castle School?
The Castle School currently has 1,202 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Castle School take?
The Castle School caters for pupils aged 11 to 19. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Castle School?
The Castle School is in Taunton, TA1 5AU, in the Somerset local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Castle School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Castle School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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