Manor Hall Academy Trust is pleased to share the outcome of the recent Ofsted inspection at Castlewood School, which confirmed that the school is meeting the Expected Standard across all inspected areas and that safeguarding arrangements are fully effective. This outcome reflects the significant progress made since the previous inspection and demonstrates the positive impact of focused leadership, dedicated staff and strong Trust support. 

Progress Built on Strong Foundations

Castlewood School provides specialist education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, many of whom have experienced disruption to their education before joining the school. Inspectors recognised that pupils are making appropriate progress from their individual starting points and are increasingly developing the confidence, skills and resilience needed to succeed both in school and beyond. 

Particular praise was given to the school’s work in reading, with inspectors identifying this as a notable strength. Daily reading opportunities and targeted interventions are helping pupils overcome barriers to literacy, build fluency and engage more confidently with learning across the curriculum. 

Creating a Culture of Belonging and Hope

One of the most powerful messages from the report is the positive culture that has been established at Castlewood. Inspectors described a school where pupils are surrounded by “hope” and where strong, trusting relationships help children rebuild confidence and self-belief. They found that pupils feel safe, valued and increasingly optimistic about their futures. 

The report highlights the thoughtful support provided by staff, particularly during key moments of the school day, and recognises the calm, nurturing environment that enables pupils to re-engage with education and learning. 

Inclusion as a Strength

Inspectors identified inclusion as a particular strength of the school. Leaders were praised for their detailed understanding of pupils’ individual needs and their effective work in removing barriers to learning. Through strong pastoral care, targeted interventions and close partnership working with families and external agencies, Castlewood is helping pupils who have previously struggled in education to experience success and achieve their potential. 

Parents and external professionals also spoke positively about the support provided by the school, highlighting the strength of relationships and the commitment shown by staff to understanding and meeting each child’s needs. 

Leadership Driving Improvement

The inspection recognised the positive impact of recent leadership developments and the renewed focus on school improvement. Inspectors found that leaders have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities and are taking appropriate action to further improve outcomes for pupils. 

The report also highlights the important role played by Manor Hall Academy Trust in supporting the school’s development. Inspectors noted that Trust support provides an effective balance of challenge, accountability and professional development, while also maintaining a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and collaboration. 

Staff spoke positively about the support available to them and valued the opportunities to share effective practice and develop professionally. 

Looking Ahead

While recognising the considerable progress made, inspectors identified a small number of areas for further development, including strengthening the use of assessment, continuing to improve attendance and ensuring greater consistency in elements of the PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education curriculum. Leaders have already incorporated these priorities into ongoing improvement planning. 

A Positive Reflection of Continuous Improvement

This latest inspection represents significant progress from the school’s 2023 inspection, which identified a number of areas requiring improvement, including curriculum sequencing, support for older readers and consistency of behaviour approaches. The 2026 report demonstrates the impact of the work undertaken since then, with inspectors recognising stronger reading provision, effective inclusion, improved leadership and a more cohesive approach to supporting pupils’ personal development and wellbeing. 

A Message from the Trust

Phil Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Manor Hall Academy Trust, said:

“We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the progress being made at Castlewood School. The report reflects the dedication of our staff, leaders, governors and wider school community, all of whom are committed to helping pupils overcome barriers and achieve success.

What stands out most is the recognition of the positive relationships, inclusive culture and sense of hope that pupils experience every day. While we remain focused on further improvement, this inspection rightly celebrates the difference being made to the lives of young people and the bright futures they are building.”

Manor Hall Academy Trust would like to thank the staff, families, governors and pupils whose hard work and commitment continue to strengthen Castlewood School. We look forward to supporting the school as it builds on this positive outcome and continues its journey of improvement and growth.