Castle Wood Academy, Gainsborough

From the headteacher's welcome: "Castle Wood Academy embodies the spirit of "Being the Best We Can Be," rooted in our values of Wellbeing, Engagement, Aspiration, and Resilience. We prioritise each child's wellbeing, fostering a nurturing environment where they feel valued. Our dedicated team build strong relationships with students, ensuring they are engaged in their learning journey."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include yoga and Lego.

The school runs a breakfast club and after-school care.

In 2025, 61% of Year 6 pupils at Castle Wood Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 68% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 72% and 71% in Lincolnshire and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 61% in reading and 55% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 43 families put Castle Wood Academy as their first choice and 68 named it as one of their preferences, for 44 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Castle Wood Academy are The Gainsborough Parish Church Primary School (0.6 miles, Requires improvement, 67% reading, 58% maths); Mercer's Wood Academy (0.6 miles, Good, 54% reading, 68% maths); White's Wood Academy (0.8 miles, Good, 44% reading, 44% maths); and Morton Trentside Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 79% reading, 71% maths).

Castle Wood Academy's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Castle Wood Academy is one of 3 schools run by Tall Oaks Academy Trust Ltd, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 34% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

35.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 4.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (86%) and Black (5%).

In 2026, 40 pupils (14.7%) received SEN support and 19 (7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is autism.

Castle Wood Academy has a SEN unit for social, emotional and mental health needs: 20 places, 7 pupils on roll.

Castle Wood Academy had 18 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Gainsborough Central Rail Station, about 1090 metres away (roughly a 14-minute walk).

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Leisure Centre (adjacent), 180 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 228 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Lincolnshire (33), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Castle Wood Academy issued 30 suspensions, 10.7 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 1 permanent exclusion.

The secondary schools closest to Castle Wood Academy are The Queen Elizabeth's High School, Gainsborough (0.4 miles); and The Gainsborough Academy (0.6 miles).