Welcome to The Castle School

The Castle School Post-16 Centre is a thriving and successful centre for post-16 education. We have a well-deserved reputation for significant and sustained academic and vocational success in a supportive and inclusive environment.Our centre of approximately 300 students, some of whom join us from other schools, is based in a dedicated Post 16 Centre. This helps mark the clear transition from GCSE study into more challenging, independent learning and greater freedom of choice. However, the Post-16 Centre remains very much at the heart of The Castle School and we share a common ethos, approach and high academic expectations.

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Community special school

Suitable Ages

3 to 19

Gender

Mixed

No. of Students

199 Total

No. of Boys

142 (71.4%)

No. of Girls

57 (28.6%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

0.0%

Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

N/A

A*/A grades

N/A


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after GCSEs

Staying in education

100%

School

79%

England

Apprenticeships

0%

School

3%

England

Further education

School:9%
England:51%

School sixth form

School:0%
England:19%

Sixth form college

School:0%
England:7%

Other education destinations

School:91%
England:2%

Exciting Updates Ahead!

We're currently gearing up to offer you a full list of our courses. Stay tuned — amazing learning opportunities are on their way very soon. Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm!


Exciting Events Ahead!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Admissions Process

Start Application

Key Dates & Deadlines

Nov 18, 2025

Post-16 Open Evening


Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays

Planning ahead for school holidays? Below are the term dates and half-term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Autumn

1 terms

Half Term 1

Sep 4 - Dec 18

Spring

1 terms

Half Term 1

Jan 5 - Mar 27

Summer

1 terms

Half Term 1

Apr 13 - Jul 21

Half-Term & Holiday Dates

Autumn Half Term

Oct 24 - Nov 3

Christmas Holiday

Dec 19 - Jan 2

Spring Half Term

Feb 16 - Feb 20

Easter Holiday

Mar 30 - Apr 10

Summer Half Term

May 25 - May 29


Alumni Stories

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Updates Coming Soon!

We’ll be sharing information about the destinations of our alumni here soon.


Enrichment Activities

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Each year, all students are required to partake in a minimum of two hours of enrichment. The enrichment activities include community or in-school volunteering, academic development and more creative or wellbeing options. There really is something for every student and it is a fantastic way for students to build their confidence, inter-personal skills of more specific academic knowledge. All of this is part of our aim to empower students beyond the classroom and to prepare them for life at university or in the workplace.

In-school volunteering
This is a chance for you to work with younger students in their chosen subject areas. You can work at lower school as a classroom assistant, reading buddies or within the Learning Support department. During your time you will be helping students to access work which they find challenging and stretching the understanding of others; whilst developing your communication and their interpersonal skill set
EPQ
Extended Project Qualification is an academic, independent research project which will help you to develop essay research, planning and writing skills. You will select a topic you are passionate about, with many students utilising this as an opportunity to engage in additional research in a field which may interest you at degree level or in the working world. You will also receive a grade and UCAS tariff points for the EPQ.
Core Maths
This one-year level 3 course is a fantastic opportunity to gain confidence in the application of fundamental and functional maths skills. This course is strongly recommended for students who are taking A-levels with a mathematical element such as Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Economics, Business, Psychology or Product Design. This is examined at the end of one year and you will receive a grade and UCAS points.
Work Experience
This is compulsory for student studying Health and Social Care, and Children’s Play, Learning and Development. However, if you’re not studying the above subjects, you may seek own work experience as well! You may wish to organise a longer term work experience placement to help you gain deeper insight into a career path you may be interested in. This gives opportunities to develop a more in-depth understanding of what may be involved day to day in particular industries, whilst also networking with professionals in that environment who can offer advice and expertise around their field. Should you need help with organising work experience, please speak to a member of the sixth form team.
Study Group
Study groups are a fantastic way to utilise the strengths of our peers. They are a space where you can share resources, help each other complete homework, and consolidate new information from your lessons each week. It provides the opportunity for you to further develop your revision and organisational skills, and helps you to stay organised and on top of your work. If you think you may struggle with organisation or independent study, this could be a good option to help you get on the right track from the start of September.

About School

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityWest Berkshire
Ofsted RatingOutstanding
Gender TypeMixed