From the Headmaster, Richard M. Walden MA, MEd, CEd, FCollP   

The first time I came to Castle House, I thought, "This is a really special place. I want to work here because there is such a sense of warmth, caring, friendliness and purposeful activity coming from all the children and staff."

Visitors to the school still tell me what a wonderful atmosphere they feel, as they walk round. "The children are so happy," it is often said to me.

It is a strong belief of the school, and of mine, that happy children work the best. Our mission statement is built around this belief. We expect a lot from the children: that their scope for achievement is unlimited, that they should learn to be self-disciplined and that they should develop responsible attitudes. In the context of a caring community, with a background of Christian faith and values, and in which kindness and tolerance to others are emphasised, we believe the children will be truly happiest responding to these expectations.

My early hopes have been more than fulfilled. Castle House is a wonderful place to work: and, I think, a wonderful place to be a child. Any time I want a 'lift', I only have to wander down to the playground, the dining room or into lessons to see the shining eyes or hear the cheerful chatter of our children. Then I know that our mission statement is a reality. "This is what education should be like." 

When inspectors visited the school, they confirmed what we who work here know. They said that many aspects of the school are outstanding.  They praised the school's "special family atmosphere, based on mutual respect, in which pupils have the opportunity to develop their full potential." They praised the pupils for their "very positive attitudes to their school life and learning" and said "they are friendly and well-behaved." There is a "strong sense of mutual respect enjoyed by the whole community" which enables the pupils "to achieve good standards in relation to their capabilities". Thank you, Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), for such a lovely description. I couldn't have put it better myself!

RICHARD WALDEN, Headmaster