Castle Mead Academy, located in Leicester, has recently undergone its first inspection since opening in 2019, receiving an outstanding rating across all categories. The school is led by Principal Thomas Hague and is part of The Mead Educational Trust, which provides oversight and support through its chief executive officer, Sarah Ridley, and a board of trustees chaired by Anthony Glover. The inspection, conducted on 24 and 25 October 2023, highlighted the school's exceptional quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
The school fosters a positive and engaging environment where pupils are encouraged to participate actively in school life. The ethos of the school is encapsulated in the 'Castle Credo,' which emphasizes kindness, hard work, and character building. Pupils exhibit exemplary behavior, contributing to a calm and conducive learning atmosphere. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards bullying and discriminatory language, ensuring that students feel safe and happy.
Castle Mead Academy offers a broad range of enrichment opportunities that extend beyond the standard curriculum. These include music and rowing scholarships, which are particularly beneficial for disadvantaged pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Parents and carers express high satisfaction with the school, noting the support provided to help students achieve excellence.
The curriculum at Castle Mead is meticulously planned and ambitious, with a strong focus on the English Baccalaureate. Teachers are subject experts who present content clearly and help students make connections between different areas of knowledge. The school effectively identifies pupils with special educational needs, ensuring they have access to the same curriculum as their peers and achieve exceptional outcomes. The emphasis on independent and resilient learning enables all pupils to tackle challenging work with confidence.
Reading is prioritized, with targeted support for pupils at the early stages of learning. This approach helps students develop fluency and confidence in their reading abilities. The school maintains high expectations for pupil behavior, which are consistently met, resulting in no lost learning time during lessons. Attendance is also a focus, with staff working closely with families to promote regular attendance.
The personal development of pupils is enriched through a well-structured curriculum and various planned activities. Pupils engage in activities that foster resilience and self-confidence, such as reciting key poems and participating in 'Castle Character Time,' which includes diverse learning opportunities like Mandarin and debating skills. The school's PSHE curriculum addresses topical issues and promotes mental and physical well-being.
The careers program at Castle Mead is robust, providing impartial advice and well-planned work experience opportunities for pupils. The governance structure ensures accountability and challenge at all management levels, with trustees and governors having a deep understanding of the school’s operations. Professional development for teachers is rigorously supported, focusing on maintaining subject knowledge and refining teaching methods while prioritizing staff well-being.
The safeguarding arrangements at Castle Mead are effective, creating a culture that prioritizes the interests of pupils. The inspection team conducted a thorough evaluation, including discussions with pupils, staff, and leaders, to assess the overall effectiveness of the school. The positive feedback from the inspection reflects the school's commitment to excellence in education and the well-being of its students.
