THE CASTLE SCHOOL in Somerset, Taunton

Education Centre Information: The Castle School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Somerset
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 30/06/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Total Pupils: 1208
Number of boys: 615
Number of girls: 593
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-19
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The Castle School opened in 1966. It occupies a large site on a shared campus with Somerset College of Arts and Technology in the county town of Taunton. The school has 'good quality' buildings with a new teaching block opened in 1992 and a new music/drama/sports complex in 1998. This incorporates a sports hall, fitness gym, dance and drama studio and music room. Teaching is supported by a resource department in the recently enlarged library and resource area. ICT facilities are also continuing to develop. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum to all students. Extra curricular activities thrive, the school being considered a 'centre of excellence' for music, drama and sport. 'The school is 'regarded as having a can do culture'. It expects 'high standards from students in all aspects of school life' and students respond 'positively' to this and are 'given considerable responsibility through the House system'.