SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
“In the space of two weeks, Costello has opened many doors for me. I can't wait for my future years at this school."
Year 7 student
Welcome.
Thank you for your interest in our school. We understand that choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision, and we are committed to helping every student become the best version of themselves. At The Costello School, we believe that with dedication and hard work, students can achieve their goals More importantly, we strive to guide them towards opportunities whether in courses, careers, or experiences that they may have never thought possible.
Since 1908, The Costello School has been known for its tradition of excellence, offering a blend of academic success and outstanding pastoral care We take pride in truly knowing each student, celebrating their individuality, and preparing them for a future full of limitless possibilities. Our ethos is captured in three simple but powerful words: Enjoy, Respect, Achieve This guiding principle shapes everything we do, helping us fulfil our mission to nurture the "Game-Changers" of tomorrow.
Our staff are innovative, leveraging technology like iPads to engage students in their learning, quickly assessing their strengths, and identifying areas for improvement We also blend indoor learning with outdoor experiences, using our unique outdoor classrooms as an integral part of the curriculum. This not only enhances academic learning but also supports students' physical and mental well-being
Expectations are high for all students. We deeply value our community and our learning environment, which is why we encourage students to be the very best versions of themselves every single day.
At The Costello School, we provide the advantages of a larger school offering excellent facilities and resources while maintaining a personal approach to learning. Each student’s unique strengths and aspirations are valued, whether they aim for top universities, excel in creative or sporting fields, or are passionate about vocational studies. We also offer enriching experiences such as international trips, Cadets, and The Duke of Edinburgh Award, ensuring that students leave as global citizens, confident in their abilities and proud of their achievements.
We invite you to visit us during the school day to see our hardworking, respectful, and high-achieving community in action Our students will be delighted to show you around and offer a glimpse of the vibrant learning environment we foster.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Mr Conway Acting Headteacher
Our School.
We are an ambitious comprehensive school providing education for students aged 11 – 16. The school places great emphasis on the experience and outcomes of the Costello Community who attend, believing wholeheartedly in the highest academic achievement coupled with unrivalled enrichment.
We have an established orderly and caring environment and one of high academic standards alongside a pastoral system that supports a happy, caring school where students thrive
We have four main feeder schools which provide approximately 70% of our students The town is served by two well established Further Education Colleges.
Enjoy.
We promote a strong sense of self-worth combined with a respect for others Consistently high expectations are embedded within an environment that is founded on mutually respectful relationships between students, staff and our wider school community
On choosing The Costello School, students are placed in one of five Houses, each of which has representation from tutor groups in each year. Each House represents Game-Changers of the past and present. These are people whom inspire all of us to make the changes we wish to see in the world.
Each House is effectively small schools within the school, which enable students to support each other, and assume leadership under guidance of tutors. The House system ensures that our young people are nurtured during transition from primary school and throughout their years with us.
Our students sense of ownership and belonging is shown by their willingness to perform in school assemblies, help maintain their environment, support their chosen charities and represent the school in locally, nationally and internationally.
We have an extensive offering of Co-Curricular activities at The Costello School. We intend for all students to be offered a range of experiences whilst with us that takes them beyond our four walls
“This is such a great school and everyone is so supportive. I have been able to explore so many opportunities whilst being at The Costello School”
Year
9 student
Respect.
At The Costello School, enjoyable learning takes place in a stimulating, vibrant environment and within a framework of high expectation
Our challenge-based learning uses the latest technologies, builds motivation and encourages our students to become independent learners equipped with the skills and resilience to succeed in the future
With an emphasis on STEM, outdoor learning and extensive enrichment students can participate in activities across the curriculum. We actively encourage our students to participate in staff recruitment, charity fundraising and career focused events, such as networking evenings with industry leaders, sports tours and competitions.
Our innovative approach enables our students to broaden their horizons, develop their interests and engenders a passion for learning
The beginning of your journey with us s Students experience two full days at sch wonder' to establish a feeling of confide overwhelmingly positive.
“All my teachers support me in and out of lessons, and here I am building my confidence to be successful beyond my time at The Costello School”
Year 10 student
Achieve.
At The Costello School we aim to prepare our students to be Game-Changers of the future We are proud to promote a culture of high aspiration and attainment where expectations and standards are consistent
No matter what your child's strengths, we intend for them to attain the highest grades possible to enable the most positive next steps beyond our four walls.
We offer an incredibly ambitious curriculum that encompasses a full suite of academic qualifications; with a high rate of EBacc uptake at GCSE. In addition, we are very proud of our offer of full arts and technology qualifications, as well as a growing suite of vocational courses.
The school embodies an ethos and culture of competing with ourselves only, with the intention of moving forward and always making progress.
We are confident that our curriculum offer has something for everyone, enabling all students to fully succeed with us
We have a long and proud history of excellent GCSE results which enables our students to continue to achieve at further education. We believe achievement is long lasting and we are delighted to play an instrumental part in your child’s journey
We believe that Co-Curricular activities are character enhancing and provide life-long skills. There are a wide range of opportunities available to our students.
Miss Jones Co-Curricular Lead
Digital & Project ERA.
At The Costello School we aim to prepare our students to be Game-Changers of the future
We intend to integrate technology into learning and pedagogical methods, to allow us to move our classrooms beyond the constraints of our four walls and unique locality. We believe that using integrated technology is a powerful tool to accomplish the highest academic aims, whilst benefitting learners with their day-to-day acquisition of knowledge through the acute lense of equity for all. Technology emancipates colleagues to prepare broader learning opportunities, whilst considering a range of personal individual needs without overburdening workload.
In addition, technology allows us to become a more sustainable school. This empowers us to have a positive, conscious impact on our society whilst growing our young people into confident and successful members of a digital, s i bl i
September 2023 was the begin applications in which students c assessment material. The iPad important tool in accessing learn 2026, we will have the entire bo lessons
“Technology is who we are and who we want to become”
Miss Moseley
“Costello students and staff offer such a warm and welcoming community. I am proud to say I attend The Costello School” Year 11 student
Leadership.
We extend our learners with the opportunity to develop the mindset, skills and confidence to become leaders.
Highly qualified staff offer exceptional experiences outside the curriculum and beyond the school gates. Students are challenged to work things out, take risks and experience new ideas, emotions and activities. Reflection on how actions impact others and how to improve in the future develops teamwork, leadership skills and resilience.
Our Student Leaders play a key role in active school improvement. Each year the Team has a number of projects that they work on to improve and grow the school from the perspective of the student body They meet with Senior Leaders and other key staff to ensure their ideas are actioned
We have an active Student Voice programme across the school which includes:
Large numbers of Student Leaders
House Captains
Sports Leaders
Arts Leaders
Anti-bullying ambassadors
Student peer mentors
