Message from the Headteacher


Castle High School and Visual Arts College is an 11-16 voluntary aided, co-educational High School near to the centre of Dudley.

The school has maintained its well founded traditions of high quality teaching and learning, excellent facilities, discipline and achievement for many years, and it is now leading the way in changing positively for the future. As caring professionals, all our staff are committed to ensuring that students fulfil their potential and flourish academically, individually and socially.

We are rightly proud of our facilities which feature both traditional and modern architecture in large self contained grounds. We can boast a large modern sports hall, a dance studio, a gymnasium, 8 well equipped Science laboratories, a brand new Visual Arts Studio, a library, extensive IT facilities, a hall, a dining room, music rooms with practice facilities, a full range of technology rooms and many other well equipped classrooms, offices and meeting rooms.

In order to support student learning we have a large teaching and support staff including classroom assistants, learning support staff, technicians and an extensive range of clerical help.

Students are cared for by our pastoral system which serves to support learners to achieve their best. We believe that we have a reputation for producing well motivated students who can rightly take their place in our ever changing society.

Throughout the school, expectations are high and are based on a caring and orderly community which encourages students to have respect for themselves, for others and for their surroundings. We encourage parents to play an active role in the work of the school, and we give them the information to enable them to support their children whilst they learn.

Our students are important to us and we all endeavour to make their time with us as rewarding and successful as is possible.

I hope the information in this pack gives you a flavour of Castle High School. If you would like to visit, please call and make an appointment and we will be very happy to give you a guided tour.

We are proud of what we achieve here and we are keen to spread the ‘magic’ that is on offer at Castle.

School Uniform

School uniform is very important at Castle High School and forms part of our Code of Conduct. We feel that the uniform conveys a message about personal standards and gives the students a clear identity, not only within school but also within the local community.

We have tried to ensure that the uniform is not too expensive and expect full parental co-operation in maintaining the high standards of dress. Your support in only purchasing the styles and colours detailed below is appreciated. Our main uniform supplier offers a full range of sizes and leg lengths to try and meet all students' needs, whilst being competitively priced.

All articles of clothing must be clearly marked with the owner's name

Girls

• Black blazer with badge
• Black skirt or tailored trousers (denim material is not acceptable)
• School tie
• Plain royal blue or black shalwar kameze with tie and blazer
• Pale blue or white shirt
• Plain V-neck royal blue jumper (optional)
• Plain grey/black/white/blue socks
• Plain low-heeled black shoes (Trainers of any kind are not acceptable)

Boys

• Black blazer with badge
• Black trousers (denim material is not acceptable)
• Pale blue or white shirt
• School tie
• Plain V-neck royal blue jumper (optional)
• Plain grey/black/white/blue socks
• Plain black shoes (Trainers of any kind are not acceptable)

Please note - outdoor coats should be dark, without decoration and be large enough to be worn over the school blazer - tracksuit tops/hoodies are not acceptable.

For all students, any jewellery must be kept to a minimum. One stud per ear is permitted and one small ring of sentimental or religious significance. Other piercing anywhere on the body is not permitted on safety grounds.

Technology One protective apron is required by all students for use in both their Food Technology and Craft lessons. It must be stressed that shoes are essential for any student using a Design Technology room. Trainers of any kind are not acceptable.

Physical Education

• Plain white T-shirt
• Plain black sweatshirt
• Plain black shorts
• Black long socks
• White short socks (indoor use only)
• Trainers
• Shin pads and football boots (pupils will be advised of the term when these are required)

Tracksuit bottoms (plain black or navy) may be worn for P.E. lessons by students with religious or medical reasons.

In accordance with safety guidelines, all jewellery must be removed for P.E.

Arrangements for the safe keeping of jewellery and other valuables are made by P.E. staff. The school cannot accept responsibility for any items not handed in or for items totalling more than £30 in value.

School Stockist

A. Oakes Ltd, Churchill Precinct, Dudley.

Alternative Stockists can be used providing uniform specification regarding style, colours etc. is adhered to.