The Castle School

Castle @ Theale is a specialist centre for students aged 11–16 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

“It is a specialist educational centre for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties aged 11 to 16.”

The post-16 provision supports students with complex learning difficulties and may support additional needs including ASD, ADHD, visual, hearing, physical, or multisensory impairments.

“Type of need : Complex Learning Difficulties with cognitive levels that are significantly below age-related expectations, usually around the 1st percentile. Students may also have additional needs such as ASD, ADHD, VI, HI, PD or MSI.”

The school commits to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects staff and volunteers to share that commitment.

“The Castle School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.”

Caroline Whitlock is the named Designated Safeguarding Lead, with phone and email contact details provided.

“If you have any concerns please contact Caroline Whitlock, Designated Safeguarding Lead on 01635 42976 or by email at dsl@castle.w-berks.sch.uk”

The website's learning navigation includes a Duke of Edinburgh Award provision page.

“Duke of Edinburgh Award”

The school describes a warm, caring and supportive community where children can flourish and be happy.

“We pride ourselves on our warm, caring and supportive atmosphere; a place where children can flourish, learn, enjoy and be happy; a community where we value and embrace support from parents, professionals and friends.”

The school describes a warm, caring and supportive community where children can flourish, learn, enjoy and be happy.

“We pride ourselves on our warm, caring and supportive atmosphere; a place where children can flourish, learn, enjoy and be happy; a community where we value and embrace support from parents, professionals and friends.”

Castle @ Newbury includes post-16 provision for students through Year 14.

“Castle @ Newbury (Love Lane and Post-16) Age Range: 4 to 19 Years Old (Reception to Year 14)”

The school's Post-16 provision held its annual leavers' assembly for 18 departing students.

“Post-16 hosted their annual leavers' assembly where this year we were saying goodbye to 18 students!”

Admission is coordinated through West Berkshire Local Authority and requires an EHCP.

“Admissions are made through West Berkshire Local Authority and all children who attend the Castle School need an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) .”

Families should ask their child's local authority to consult the school about a place.

“If you feel that your child's needs might be met at one of our provisions, you will need to speak to your child's local authority and ask them to consult with us about a place.”

Leavers progressed to Newbury College, Sparsholt College and InFocus.

“We could not be prouder of every single one of these young person as they move onto Newbury College, Sparsholt College and InFocus.”

The school aims to help students enter meaningful paid employment and supports smooth transitions through exposure to different post-school options.

“The key aim for World of Work is to increase our students’ opportunities to find meaningful paid employment, either full or part-time. Work experience can be a great route into employment and we are very focused on exposing students to a range of options that they could pursue when they leave school. Where possible we try to work with students to make their transition as smooth as possible.”