Casterton College Rutland Review 2026: High Expectations and Community Values

Sitting on the Rutland and Lincolnshire border, Casterton College Rutland is a mixed 11 to 16 secondary school that has built a reputation for combining traditional standards with modern academic ambition. The school serves a wide catchment area including Great Casterton, Ryhall, and the nearby town of Stamford. With a student capacity of 900, it remains small enough to maintain a cohesive community feel while being large enough to offer a diverse and challenging curriculum.

The college is currently ranked 1557th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 2nd position among secondary providers in the Stamford local area. This places the school performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a solid and reliable academic foundation. Under the leadership of Principal Carl Smith, who has been in post since Easter 2015, the school has transitioned into a highly oversubscribed academy known for its focus on individual student progress and a disciplined, respectful environment.

At drop off, the gates reveal a school that prides itself on order and purposeful movement. The campus, located in the village of Great Casterton, features a blend of original mid century architecture and newer additions, including the well utilised Sports Hall and modern science laboratories. The atmosphere is one of quiet industriousness; students wear their uniforms with a sense of belonging, and the relationship between staff and students is governed by clear, traditional expectations.

The school ethos is built around the "Casterton Way," a set of principles that emphasize hard work, kindness, and personal responsibility. This is not merely a slogan but a lived reality in the corridors. Senior leaders are highly visible, and there is a palpable sense that every student is known as an individual. The college became an academy in 2011 and is now its own admissions authority, allowing it to sharpen its focus on local needs while maintaining high standards of governance.

The latest Ofsted report from November 2023 rated the school as Good, noting that leadership is effective and the school community is inclusive. Behavior is consistently noted for its calmness, and students seem genuinely comfortable in their environment. This stability is credited to a long serving leadership team and a dedicated body of staff who share a commitment to the school traditional values.

Casterton College Rutland consistently delivers solid academic performance. In the most recent published data, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 47.8, which is above the England average of 46.2. This metric measures student achievement across eight key subjects, indicating a broad and balanced performance across the cohort.

The school Progress 8 score of +0.17 is particularly significant for parents. This positive figure indicates that students at Casterton make more progress between the end of primary school and their GCSEs than the average student in England. It serves as evidence that the teaching and learning strategies employed are effectively stretching students from their individual starting points.

Ranked 1557th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 2nd in the Stamford local area, the college maintains a competitive edge within Rutland. In terms of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), 19.5% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the core subject pillars. While the school focuses on a broad curriculum, it maintains a steady stream of students achieving the higher grades necessary for transition to top tier local sixth form colleges.

Teaching follows clear structures with a strong emphasis on subject mastery. The curriculum is designed to be academic and rigorous, with students beginning their GCSE preparations early in certain subjects to ensure depth of understanding. In the classroom, teachers use expert subject knowledge to challenge students, often using "stretch and challenge" tasks to ensure that more able students are not treading water.

The college offers a wide range of subjects, from the traditional sciences and humanities to creative arts and technology. The humanities department is particularly well regarded, often seeing high levels of student engagement and strong examination outcomes. Mathematics and English are taught in sets from Year 7, allowing for targeted support and acceleration where appropriate.

Specialist teaching is a hallmark of the Casterton experience. Even in the creative arts and physical education, students are taught by staff who are passionate experts in their fields. This fosters a culture of excellence and high aspirations, where students are encouraged to view themselves as mathematicians, historians, or artists from the moment they enter the classroom.

As an 11 to 16 school, the transition at the end of Year 11 is a critical milestone. The college has well established links with local post 16 providers, ensuring a smooth path for every student. The majority of students progress to Stamford College, Harington School in Oakham, or the sixth forms of nearby schools such as The King's School in Peterborough or Bourne Grammar School.

The school careers programme is comprehensive, starting in Year 7 and intensifying as students approach their GCSEs. One to one guidance sessions and career fairs help students navigate the various pathways, whether they are aiming for traditional A levels, T levels, or prestigious apprenticeships.

Former students often speak of how well the college prepared them for the increased independence of sixth form life. The focus on self discipline and study skills at Casterton pays dividends when students move on to more autonomous environments.

Casterton College Rutland is a heavily oversubscribed school. In the most recent admissions cycle, the school received 358 applications for just 178 available places. This represents a subscription proportion of 2.01, meaning there are effectively two applicants for every one seat in Year 7.

The admissions process is coordinated by Rutland County Council. Priority is given to looked after children, followed by children of staff, siblings already at the school, and those living within the catchment villages. Because of the high demand, the "proportion of 1st preferences versus 1st preference offers" stands at 1.06, indicating that even some families who put the school as their top choice may face disappointment.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical intake patterns. The distance is measured in a straight line from the home address to the main entrance. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. As a publicly funded academy, the core education is free to all eligible students.

Associated costs typically include the school uniform, which is available through designated suppliers, and optional school trips or extracurricular music lessons. The school offers support for families eligible for Pupil Premium, which can include help with the cost of uniforms or subsidised curriculum trips. Parents should contact the School Business Manager for specific details on financial support for additional school costs.

Pastoral care is a clear strength, rooted in a traditional vertical house system that encourages mentorship across year groups. Each student belongs to a house, which provides a sense of identity and friendly competition through various inter house events. The form tutor is the primary point of contact, providing daily oversight of both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

The school has a dedicated pastoral support team that includes non teaching staff, allowing for immediate intervention when a student faces challenges. Whether it is managing exam stress or navigating social complexities, the support is described as proactive rather than reactive.

Anti bullying measures are robust and integrated into the Life Studies curriculum. Students are taught about resilience, empathy, and online safety regularly. Formal observations confirm that safeguarding is effective and that students feel safe and well supported within the school grounds.

The extracurricular life at Casterton College is vibrant, with a focus on building character and "soft skills" through participation. The college offers a variety of clubs that cater to diverse interests, ranging from the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme to the highly popular STEM Club and various music ensembles.

STEM: Engineering the Future

The STEM provision is particularly strong, often involving projects that bridge the gap between science and real world application. Students have previously participated in the Greenpower Inspiring Engineers challenge, designing and building electric cars to race at professional circuits. This hands on experience is supported by industry standard equipment in the Design and Technology suites.

Sport and Creative Arts

Sport is a major pillar of school life. The college utilises its extensive playing fields and sports hall for a wide range of fixtures, including rugby, netball, football, and athletics. The school has a strong record in local Rutland and Leicestershire competitions. In the creative arts, the annual school production is a highlight, involving students in everything from performance to lighting and set design. Music is equally prominent, with regular concerts showcasing the school choirs and instrumental groups.

The school day begins at 8:45am and concludes at 3:15pm. For students travelling from further afield, a network of school buses serves the surrounding villages and Stamford. Walking routes from Great Casterton and Ryhall are well established and safe.

Regarding travel, the school is easily accessible via the A1, though parents are encouraged to use the designated drop off points to avoid congestion on Ryhall Road. For families requiring information on wraparound care, details are not explicitly published on the school website, and parents are advised to contact the school office directly to discuss local providers and after school arrangements.

• Significant Oversubscription: With two applications for every place, securing a spot at Casterton is the primary hurdle for families. Proximity to the school is often the deciding factor. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• 11 to 16 Phase: Families must be prepared for a mandatory move at age 16. While the school provides excellent transition support, students will need to apply to external sixth forms or colleges for their A levels or vocational training.
• Traditional Expectations: The school maintains a strict uniform and behavior policy. This disciplined environment suits many students brilliantly but families seeking a more "progressive" or informal atmosphere may find it a culture clash.
• Rural Location: While the village setting is picturesque, it does mean a reliance on school transport or parental drop offs for students living outside the immediate walking distance of Great Casterton and Ryhall.

Casterton College Rutland is a school that succeeds by doing the fundamentals exceptionally well. It offers a safe, disciplined, and academically ambitious environment that consistently helps students outperform their starting points. It is a school that values its history and its community, making it a natural choice for families who want a traditional British secondary education without the fees of the independent sector. Best suited to students who thrive in a structured environment and families living within the immediate catchment area. Families interested in this option can use the Saved Schools feature to manage their shortlist as they navigate the competitive admissions process.