Castles Education
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire · DN21 2SU
Castles Education is a specialist independent day school in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, serving pupils aged 7–17 with SEND and mental health needs. All pupils hold Education, Health and Care Plans, and the school draws from six local authorities across the region. The curriculum is bespoke and personalised, with teaching strategies aligned to individual EHCP targets and real-world preparation as its core mission.
- →Specialist SEND provision with all pupils on EHCPs, ensuring targeted support unavailable in mainstream
- →Personalised curriculum designed around individual needs and therapeutic goals
- →Small cohort size (93 pupils) enabling close pastoral relationships and staff awareness
- →Explicit focus on post-16 transitions: further education, employment, and independent living skills
Who thrives here
Pupils with identified SEND or mental health needs who require a bespoke, therapeutic learning environment with low staff-to-pupil ratios and individualised teaching strategies. This school suits young people for whom mainstream provision has not met their needs.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
12 Acland Street
Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
DN21 2SU
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How do you get into Castles Education?
Castles Education admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Castles Education's exam results?
At Castles Education, 0% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Castles Education a boarding school?
Castles Education is a day school in Gainsborough and does not offer boarding.
What is Castles Education's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Castles Education “Inadequate” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Highly personalised curriculum and teaching tailored to individual EHCP targets
✓Small, intimate pupil cohort enabling close pastoral relationships and staff familiarity with each child
✓Explicit focus on real-world preparation, independence skills, and meaningful post-16 transitions
✓Integrated mental health and therapeutic support; staff trained in MFAI
Common concerns
!Limited published academic outcomes or GCSE/attainment data; not yet Ofsted-inspected, limiting external validation
!Rural location and dependence on school transport may limit accessibility for some families
!Narrow curriculum offer may not suit pupils with purely academic aspirations or those transitioning to higher education