Ark Castledown Primary Academy
83%
Capacity
396
Pupils
2.4x
Demand
About Ark Castledown Primary Academy
Ark Castledown Primary Academy is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Hastings community, welcoming children from age 2 to 11. The school has 396 pupils on roll and is well-filled (83% of 480 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Ark Castledown Primary Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Rebecca Stewart, it falls under East Sussex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 75% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — well above the national average. Additionally, placing it in the top 25% nationally. Additionally, ranked 2710th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 16 in Hastings.
Ark Castledown Primary Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 83 applications for 35 places, making it 2.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 34 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Castledown Primary Academy include Dining Hall, Library, Outdoor Playground, Forest School, ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cricket, Dance, Athletics, Football and 1 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Book Club, Gardening, Film Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 55.3%, which is well above the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Hastings, Ark Castledown Primary Academy is one of the options available in the South East region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Priory Road, Hastings, Hastings, TN34 3QT |
| Headteacher | Rebecca Stewart |
| Local Authority | East Sussex |
| Number of Pupils | 396 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 55.3% |
| School Capacity | 396 / 480 (83% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Nov 2021Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 19 Jan 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (75%)
2710th of 13,686
Nationally
360th of 2,034
In South East
4th of 16
In Hastings
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
75%
Expected Standard
7%
Higher Standard
'22/23
75%
'23/24
75%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed35
83
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
34 families put this school as their 1st choice (41% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Castledown Primary Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Priory Road, Hastings
Hastings, TN34 3QT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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