Caludon Castle School Review 2026: Academic Ambition in a Modern Coventry Setting

Caludon Castle School occupies an expansive, modern site in the Wyken area of Coventry, where it serves a diverse community of over 1,500 students. Rebuilt entirely in the mid-2000s, the school has traded its historical name for a campus that feels more like a contemporary university than a traditional secondary school. It is a large academy that operates with a clear sense of purpose, balancing a high student population with a structured, supportive environment.

The school is led by Ms Sarah Kenrick, who was appointed as Headteacher in January 2021. Under her leadership, the school has maintained a solid reputation for both academic progress and inclusive pastoral care. The most recent Ofsted inspection, which took place in February 2024, rated the school Good across all categories. This confirms that the school continues to provide a high standard of education, with inspectors particularly noting the ambitious curriculum and the positive, respectful culture among students.

The physical environment at Caludon Castle is a significant part of its identity. The main buildings are characterized by glass-fronted facades and wide, airy corridors that manage the flow of a large student body effectively. Unlike many older schools in the region, the layout is open and integrated, with a central hub that serves as the heart of the school day.

There is a palpable sense of order here. Students move between lessons with purpose, and the atmosphere in the communal spaces at break and lunch is social but regulated. The school name refers to the nearby ruins of Caludon Castle; while the school itself is modern, it maintains a link to its locality through community projects and a curriculum that draws on Coventry industrial and historical heritage.

The school is part of the Castle Phoenix Trust, a multi-academy trust it joined at its inception. This connection provides a broader network of support and shared resources, which is visible in the consistent branding and the collaborative approach to teacher training. Students seem to take pride in the school facilities, and there is a general absence of the wear and tear often found in large urban secondary schools.

Academic performance at Caludon Castle tells a story of consistent progress. At GCSE, the school ranks 2,282nd in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Within Coventry, it ranks 15th among local secondary schools. The average Attainment 8 score of 46.6 is a solid result that reflects the broad range of abilities within the intake.

A key strength is the Progress 8 score of +0.17. This indicates that students at Caludon Castle make better progress from their primary school starting points than the average student across England. In a large comprehensive setting, this value-added measure is often the most accurate reflection of teaching quality.

At A-level, the school ranks 1,226th in England and 9th in Coventry (FindMySchool ranking). Nearly half of all entries, 48.9%, achieved the top grades of A*-B. While this sits slightly above the England average for A*-B results, it represents a strong performance for a non-selective state sixth form, outperforming several local competitors.

The curriculum is broad and designed to keep as many doors open as possible for students. In the lower years, there is a strong emphasis on core subjects, but this is balanced with a healthy rotation of creative and technical subjects. Teaching follows a clear, structured format where expectations for every lesson are displayed and feedback is regular.

Teachers are subject specialists who are encouraged to stay current with their disciplines through the Trust professional development programs. In the classroom, this translates to lessons that are well-paced and often incorporate digital technology, reflecting the school modern infrastructure.

In the Sixth Form, the offering is particularly diverse, with a range of A-level and vocational pathways. This flexibility allows students to tailor their studies to their specific career goals, whether that involves university or higher-level apprenticeships.

Where Students Go Next

For a large state secondary, the destination data is impressive. Following the 2023/24 cohort, 54% of leavers progressed to university. The school has a dedicated careers team that works with students from Year 7 onwards, but the intensity increases significantly in the Sixth Form.

The school has a track record of students securing places at Russell Group universities, with popular destinations including the University of Warwick, University of Birmingham, and Coventry University. Beyond traditional degrees, 7% of the cohort moved into apprenticeships, a figure supported by the school links with local industry and engineering firms in the West Midlands. A significant 21% of leavers entered direct employment, reflecting the school focus on employability skills.

Caludon Castle is a heavily oversubscribed school, reflecting its popularity within the Wyken area and beyond. In the primary entry route measurement, there were 581 applications for 240 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.42. This means that for every place available, more than two families applied.

Admissions are coordinated by Coventry City Council. After looked-after children and those with specific medical or social needs, priority is given to siblings and then to those living closest to the school. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical intake patterns.

For entry into the Sixth Form, the school requires specific GCSE grades, typically a minimum of five grades at 4 or above, including English and Mathematics, with higher requirements for specific A-level subjects like the sciences and mathematics.

Fees & Financial Aid

As Caludon Castle School is a state-funded academy, there are no tuition fees for any students. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils and students aged 11 to 18. Families should, however, account for standard costs associated with school life, such as the purchase of the school uniform, optional educational trips, and materials for certain practical subjects.

For students in the Sixth Form, the 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to help with essential education-related costs like transport, books, or equipment. This is a means-tested scheme provided by the government and administered by the school to support students from lower-income backgrounds.

The school large size is mitigated by a robust pastoral structure. Students are organized into year groups, each led by a Year Leader and supported by a team of tutors. This ensures that every student has a consistent point of contact who understands their individual circumstances.

The 2024 Ofsted inspection highlighted safeguarding as a strength, noting that students feel safe and know who to turn to if they have concerns. The school has invested in on-site mental health support, including a dedicated wellbeing lead and access to counseling services. There is a clear anti-bullying policy that is actively monitored, and students report that when issues do arise, they are dealt with quickly by staff.

The extracurricular life at Caludon Castle is varied, benefitting from the school extensive sporting and arts facilities. The PE department is a major pillar of school life, making full use of the large sports hall, floodlit all-weather pitches, and expansive playing fields. Competitive teams represent the school in football, netball, and athletics at a city-wide level.

The arts are also well-represented. The school features dedicated drama studios and music practice rooms, hosting several productions and concerts throughout the year. Specific clubs found in the research include the Lego Robotics Club and the Debate Society, which helps students develop public speaking skills.

STEM

STEM is a clear priority at Caludon Castle. The school hosts an annual Science Week and participates in national competitions such as the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges. The technology suites are equipped with industry-standard software, allowing students to explore engineering and design-and-technology projects that go beyond the standard curriculum.

The school day begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm. For students in the lower years, there are various supervised after-school clubs that provide a form of enrichment until approximately 4:15pm, though parents should check the specific termly timetable for details.

The school is well-served by local bus routes connecting Wyken to the rest of Coventry. There is no on-site parking for parents during drop-off or pick-up, and the school encourages walking or cycling for local students, providing secure bike storage on the campus.

• Large School Environment: With over 1,500 students, the school can feel busy and fast-paced. While the pastoral systems are strong, students who thrive in smaller, more intimate settings may find the scale of Caludon Castle overwhelming.
• High Competition for Places: As an oversubscribed school with more than two applications for every place, securing a spot for Year 7 is a significant challenge for those living outside the immediate vicinity.
• Modern but Functional: While the facilities are excellent, the school lacks the heritage feel of older institutions. The atmosphere is very much that of a modern, efficient learning environment.

Caludon Castle School is a flagship for modern state education in Coventry. It combines impressive, university-style facilities with a structured approach to learning that delivers above-average progress for its students. The school is best suited to ambitious students who want a broad range of academic and extracurricular opportunities and who will thrive in a large, vibrant community. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature on FindMySchool to manage their shortlist.