Castle School has created a warm and welcoming learning environment, where pupils thrive. The school is highly ambitious for all its pupils. As a result, pupils believe they can do anything they set their mind to. They consequently work hard in their lessons and make good progress from their individual starting points. Parents appreciate that staff know how best to support their child, both academically and pastorally. Pupils’ special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well understood and supported. Staff actively model how they want pupils to behave. Tolerance and respect underpin all these interactions. Pupils respond well to this approach and, as a result, their behaviour is exemplary. On the rare occasions that pupils get upset, they quickly bounce back with the help of the schools’ highly effective pastoral team. The schools’ personal development programme is outstanding. Pupils really enjoy learning in their community. Through this work, they develop a greater understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by life in modern Britain. The ‘Castlefest’ music festival is a highlight of the school year for pupils and parents. This helps pupils build their resilience to being in large social settings. Sixth-form students are particularly well prepared for their next steps into education and/or training. They greatly benefit from weekly college visits.