Castle Mead is Leicester’s newest Outstanding secondary school

Everyone at TMET is celebrating along with Castle Mead Academy as it becomes Leicester’s newest ‘outstanding’ secondary school after an Ofsted visit in October. The inspectors called Castle Mead an ‘aspirational and visionary school’ and noted that learners consistently meet the high standards that the school sets for them. Castle Mead opened its doors in 2019, so this is its first Ofsted inspection.

Inspectors looked at four areas, all of which were rated outstanding: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. In the report, inspectors stated: “Pupils excel at Castle Mead due to the school’s extremely high expectations of them. The behaviour of pupils is exemplary. There is a consistently calm learning environment at this school.”

It added that: “The school enriches pupils’ personal development through a carefully considered curriculum and range of planned activities. Pupils have many opportunities to develop resilience and self confidence.”

The report noted the wide range of extra activities on offer including debating club, learning to speak Mandarin, international film studies and photography society. It said: “Opportunities to develop pupils’ talents and interests go beyond what is expected and are wide ranging through the enrichment electives for all pupils. Many pupils benefit from music and rowing scholarships.”

The report also praised staff: “Teachers are experts in the subjects that they teach. They present new content clearly. Staff help pupils to build links between different pieces of knowledge. This helps pupils know and remember more.”

Castle Mead Principal Tom Hague said: “Young people in the heart of Leicester should have every opportunity to be the best that they can be. I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the culture of excellence at Castle Mead. We have amazing scholars and staff who every day live out our credo of be kind, work hard, build your character.”

He added: ”We could not have achieved this without the support of our scholars, families, staff, and wider community. I would also thank the Mead Trust for its unwavering support. It allows our Mead family of schools to go from strength to strength through collaboration and teamwork.”

Sarah Ridley, CEO, said: “I am so incredibly proud of everyone at Castle Mead.  The staff and scholars work extremely hard and have created a truly amazing school. Our Mead family of schools, including Castle Mead, serve some of the most deprived areas in the East Midlands. We are determined that together we will make a positive difference to the life chances of the children in our care. The Ofsted feedback is testament to the efforts and vision of everyone across the Trust to do the very best for the communities we serve.”