Castle Mead Academy
103%
Capacity
1,240
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Castle Mead Academy
Castle Mead Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Leicester community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,240 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (103% of 1,200 places).
the school is led by headteacher Chloe French, it falls under Leicester local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.14 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.0. Additionally, ranked 1229th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 14th out of 20 in Leicester.
Castle Mead Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 694 applications for 250 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 316 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Castle Mead Academy include Music Rooms, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Library, Playing Fields, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Swimming, Cricket, Badminton, Rugby and 3 more, as well as clubs including Young Enterprise, Newspaper, Art Club, Model UN and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 44.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Leicester, Castle Mead Academy is one of the options available in the East Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Richard III Road, Leicester, Leicester, LE3 5QT |
| Headteacher | Chloe French |
| Local Authority | Leicester |
| Number of Pupils | 1,240 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 44.5% |
| School Capacity | 1,240 / 1,200 (103% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Oct 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Source: Ofsted, 16 Nov 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.14)
1229th of 3,141
Nationally
92nd of 273
In East Midlands
14th of 20
In Leicester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed250
694
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
316 families put this school as their 1st choice (46% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Castle Mead Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Richard III Road, Leicester
Leicester, LE3 5QT
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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