Castle Primary School

About Castle Primary School

Castle Primary School in Fareham is a state primary for children aged 4 to 11 that is currently running close to full capacity, with 393 pupils against a school capacity of 420. Its intake reflects a moderately higher-than-average level of disadvantage: 17.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, compared with the national primary average of around 23% and the Hampshire local authority average of roughly 16%. Demand for places is strong. For the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 101 applications for 60 places, making it oversubscribed with a ratio of 1.98 applicants per place. Of those, 44 first-preference families were offered a spot, suggesting that for many local parents, Castle is the top choice. The school is led by headteacher Justin Bartlett and has no religious character.

Academically, Castle Primary performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 76% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with the Hampshire average of 61%. The school ranks 3rd out of 22 primary schools in Fareham and sits in the top 25% nationally. A notable 17% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, with reading the strongest area (37% at higher standard) and maths close behind (29%). Progress scores are not available in the data, but the average scaled scores of 106 in reading and 105 in maths are solid. Ofsted’s most recent inspection in March 2024 rated the school Good overall, with Outstanding marks for early years provision, personal development, and behaviour and attitudes. The previous inspection in 2014 also rated it Good, so the school has maintained a consistent standard over a decade.

The school offers a broad set of facilities including a library, playing fields, art studios, a dining hall, a forest school and a chapel. Sports provision covers dance, netball, football, tennis, rounders and cricket, while after-school clubs include art, coding, gardening, chess, film club and choir. SEND support is extensive, with provisions for dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, social and emotional mental health needs, speech and language difficulties, hearing and visual impairments, physical disabilities and autistic spectrum disorder. With oversubscription at nearly 2:1, families living closest to the school will have the best chance of securing a place. Castle suits families who want a well-regarded local primary with strong academic outcomes, a wide range of enrichment activities and a proven track record of good behaviour and personal development.

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