The Costello School in Basingstoke

History and Location
The Costello School was established in 1971 as a comprehensive school for boys and girls. The school was named after Arthur Costello, a former headteacher of Fairfields Primary School and a prominent figure in Basingstoke’s education. The school became an academy in 2012 and joined the Bohunt Education Trust in 2017.

The school is located on Crossborough Hill, close to the town centre and the railway station. The school has modern and well-equipped facilities, such as a sports hall, a drama studio, a music suite, a science centre, a learning resource centre and a student hub.

Curriculum and Achievement
The Costello School follows the National Curriculum, but also offers an innovative and personalised curriculum that is designed to meet the needs and interests of each pupil. The school aims to provide a stimulating and challenging learning environment that fosters curiosity, creativity and resilience. The school also offers a range of enrichment activities such as clubs, trips, competitions and events.

The school has a reputation for academic excellence and pupil progress. In 2022, the school achieved above the national average in English and maths at the end of Key Stage 4. The school also achieved well in science, languages, humanities and arts. The school was rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted in its latest inspection in 2019.

Support and Guidance
The Costello School is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all pupils. The school has a team of personal tutors who meet regularly with pupils to monitor their progress, set targets and offer advice. The school also has a SENCO who coordinates the provision for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities.

The school also has a range of services to support pupils’ wellbeing, such as counselling, mentoring, safeguarding and learning support. The school has an active pupil voice system that allows pupils to share their views and feedback on various aspects of school life. The school also celebrates diversity and promotes equality through various initiatives and events.