Hanley Castle High School

Seven centuries of history meet modern ambition in this rural Worcestershire comprehensive. Hanley Castle High School traces its origins to 1326, when a chantry school first educated children at the site of the medieval castle. Today, approximately 1,100 students aged 11 to 18 study within a campus that blends Grade II listed 17th century buildings with a purpose-built sixth form centre opened in 2016. The school consistently performs above England averages at both GCSE and A-level, ranking in the top 25% of schools in England for GCSE outcomes. Four students secured Oxbridge places in the most recent measurement period. This is a school where academic rigour coexists with a genuine commitment to developing character, set against the backdrop of the Malvern Hills.

The campus tells the story of nearly 700 years of education. The western block, a Grade II listed building dating from around 1600, originally served as a dormitory and now houses administrative functions. The 1733 schoolhouse, rebuilt with funds from Sir Nicholas and Edmund Lechmere, remains in daily use. Trilingual signs throughout the grounds reflect the school's international outlook, a legacy of its Specialist Languages status. The school emblem, a pelican, derives from the Lechmere family coat of arms, acknowledging centuries of patronage.

Mark Stow has led the school since September 2022, arriving from a vice principal role at University of Birmingham School. A biochemistry graduate from Warwick with a masters in education, he maintains a teaching commitment alongside his leadership responsibilities. His appointment continued the school's trajectory of improvement following its 2011 academy conversion.

Students are organised into three colleges named after ancient forest settlements: Gilbert College (after Gilbert de Hanley, chief forester from 1147 to 1165), Burley College (from the castle settlement on high ground), and Horton College (after a medieval pottery settlement). This vertical house system creates pastoral communities spanning year groups, with tutor groups containing students from across the age range. A wellbeing room and school counsellor, available three and a half days per week, provide additional support.

The atmosphere is purposeful but not pressured. Inspectors in March 2023 noted warm relationships between staff and students, with high expectations met through a combination of praise, rewards, and clear boundaries. Students describe feeling safe and knowing who to turn to when problems arise. A centralised behaviour system with demerits operates alongside a ready to learn room for those needing additional support, while golden ticket rewards celebrate positive conduct. Nearly 15% of students receive free school meals, reflecting the school's genuinely comprehensive intake.

GCSE Performance

Academic outcomes place Hanley Castle firmly in the top 25% of schools in England. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50.9, substantially above the England average. Approximately 32% of grades were at 9-7, with 11% at the highest grades of 9-8.

The school ranks 1,060th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 23% of all secondary schools. Locally, it ranks 5th among schools in the Worcester area. This represents above-average performance for a non-selective school drawing students from over 30 primary schools across rural Worcestershire.

Progress 8 data tells an equally positive story, with a score of +0.23 indicating students make better than expected progress from their starting points. English Baccalaureate entry stands at 75%, with an average EBacc score of 4.68 against the England average of 4.08.

History, geography, art, food and nutrition, and sport prove popular at GCSE, while food and nutrition, English, and the sciences achieve particularly strong results. Approximately one third of students pursue triple science.

A-Level Performance

Sixth form results consistently exceed England averages. In 2024, 28% of grades achieved A* or A, with 60% at A*-B. The 2025 cohort maintained this standard, achieving 56% at A*-B and 81% at A*-C.

The school ranks 692nd in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of sixth forms (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 3rd in the Worcester area. With 61% of grades at A*-B, outcomes exceed the England average of 47%.

Psychology, history, economics, business, and mathematics attract the largest cohorts, while history consistently delivers the strongest results. Academic A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics, chemistry, and English achieve particularly strong outcomes.

University Destinations

In 2024, 46% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with nearly 30% of those securing places at Russell Group institutions. Bath, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Nottingham, UCL, and York feature prominently among destinations. Degree apprenticeships are increasingly popular, representing a growing proportion of post-18 routes.

Thirteen students applied to Oxbridge in the measurement period, with four securing places. All four offer holders accepted their places, giving a 100% conversion rate from offers to acceptances. Three students were accepted at Oxford and one at Cambridge. Over recent years, successful Oxbridge applications have spanned mathematics, history, biological sciences, geography, economics, modern languages, natural sciences, veterinary science, architecture, law, dentistry, and medicine.

The school provides bespoke pathways for students targeting competitive courses including medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy, law, criminology, journalism, and engineering. A Hanley Scholar programme supports the most academically able students through additional enrichment and preparation for demanding applications.

Other Destinations

Just over 40% of students leave after Year 11, typically progressing to Heart of Worcester College, Hartpury, or sixth-form colleges in Worcester and Hereford. This reflects the school's genuinely comprehensive approach, supporting students toward the pathways that best suit their abilities and aspirations.

Among sixth form leavers, 7% begin apprenticeships, with destinations including the RAF, Heller, and Crowthers Accountants. Employment directly after sixth form accounts for 33% of leavers, while 3% continue to further education.

The curriculum follows the national framework with thoughtful enhancements. French or German begins in Year 7, with high-ability linguists able to add the second language in Year 8. Setting operates in mathematics, science, and computing to match teaching to student need.

GCSEs begin in Year 9, with most students taking ten subjects. Triple science is available for approximately one third of the cohort, while 75% pursue the English Baccalaureate combination. Subject options include art, business, computer science, design and technology, drama, food preparation and nutrition, French, German, geography, history, music, PE, and religious studies. Vocational routes include NCFE qualifications in music technology and sport.

A recent curriculum and teaching review has refined classroom practice. Every lesson begins with a starter activity designed to activate prior knowledge. Individual whiteboards enable teachers to check understanding in real time. Follow-up questioning probes student thinking, while drop-in observations between classes promote shared professional learning.

The A-level offer spans traditional academic subjects alongside vocational alternatives. Psychology, sociology, English language, business, film studies, and politics sit alongside mathematics, sciences, humanities, and languages. BTEC qualifications in sport, music technology, and business provide alternative pathways. Around ten students annually complete the Extended Project Qualification.

Inspectors observed that teachers use their subject expertise well to help students develop knowledge progressively. Leaders have identified reading as a priority, with targeted intervention ensuring students with weaker literacy skills catch up quickly.

Year 7 Entry

Hanley Castle High School admits 180 students to Year 7 each September. The school is its own admissions authority as an academy, though applications are coordinated through Worcestershire Local Authority.

Demand significantly exceeds capacity. In 2024, 340 applications were received for 189 places, giving approximately 1.8 applications per place. The school is consistently oversubscribed.

After looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, priority passes to siblings, then to children attending designated feeder primary schools. These include Castlemorton Church of England, Eldersfield Corse Lawn Church of England, Hanley Swan Primary, Kempsey Primary, Pendock Church of England, Upton upon Severn Primary, and Welland Primary. Children of staff members also receive priority.

Worcestershire residents complete the LA Common Application Form online or by download. The deadline falls in late October for September entry the following year. Parents outside Worcestershire apply through their home authority, which forwards details to Worcestershire.

The school holds an Open Day and Open Evening in early October annually. Prospective families can arrange additional tours by contacting the headteacher's PA.

Sixth Form Entry

Around 20 external students join the sixth form each year. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and mathematics. Specific subjects may have additional requirements.

The sixth form hosts open events in November. A Year 11 into 12 bridging programme supports the transition to A-level study. Financial support is available through the 16-19 Bursary Fund for eligible students.

Vertical tutor groups mix students across year groups, creating pastoral communities where older students naturally support younger peers. College captains provide student leadership within each house.

The wellbeing room offers a calm space for students needing support. A school counsellor works on site three and a half days weekly, providing professional mental health support. Staff receive regular training on emerging safeguarding threats and work closely with external agencies when concerns arise.

The March 2023 Ofsted inspection rated personal development and behaviour as Good. Inspectors noted that pupils respect others, including those different from themselves. They are courteous to each other and to adults. Staff take bullying seriously and resolve it promptly when it occurs. Students know who to turn to when they need help.

Safeguarding arrangements are effective. Well-trained staff remain alert to risks, with regular updates on current concerns. Partnership working with external agencies supports vulnerable students.

Sport

Physical education occupies four hours per fortnight. The core offer includes football, rugby, cricket, and netball, with netball coached by a former international player. The broader programme encompasses basketball, athletics, tennis, rounders, handball, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, dodgeball, and more unusual options including pickleball, Aussie rules, softball, frisbee, body bump, and boxercise.

Facilities include the front field, a sports hall, and tennis and netball courts. The Glebe provides additional pitches for cricket, football, and rugby, complete with pavilions.

Music

Musical life thrives through orchestra, choir, swing band, and smaller ensembles. A music academy provides additional tuition for committed musicians, while karaoke offers a less formal outlet. Approximately 10% of students learn an instrument, using dedicated practice rooms, two classrooms (one equipped for music technology), and a recording studio.

At examination level, 14 students took GCSE music, 15 pursued the NCFE music qualification, seven studied A-level music, and four took music technology.

Drama

A dedicated drama studio hosts performances and teaching. The whole-school production of We Will Rock You demonstrated the scale of theatrical ambition. Around 25 students take GCSE drama, with nine continuing to A-level theatre studies.

Art and Design

Two art studios support 85 GCSE students and 14 at A-level. The curriculum encompasses photography, modern casting techniques, and textiles. Design and technology attracts 23 GCSE students, while food and nutrition proves particularly popular with 42 GCSE entries taught across two kitchens.

Clubs and Enrichment

Approximately 60% of students participate in extracurricular clubs. The range spans academic enrichment to creative hobbies: Duolingo language practice, poetry by heart competitions, journalism, coding, crochet, and robotics all feature alongside sporting fixtures and musical rehearsals.

An annual activities week provides intensive enrichment opportunities. International trips include skiing in Austria and visits to the USA, alongside language exchanges that build on the school's specialist languages heritage. A sixth form trip to Auschwitz offers profound historical education.

The school day runs from standard times, with transport links serving the rural catchment across multiple villages. Given the school's location in Hanley Castle village, most students travel from surrounding areas. The Glebe sports facilities sit separately from the main campus.

Wraparound care details are not published; families should contact the school directly for information about before and after school arrangements.

Rural location. Hanley Castle sits 1.4 miles from Upton upon Severn in rural Worcestershire. While the setting is beautiful, families relying on public transport may find access challenging. The catchment draws from over 30 primary schools across a wide geographic area.

Oversubscribed admissions. With approximately 1.8 applications per place, securing Year 7 entry is not guaranteed. Feeder school attendance significantly improves admission chances. Families outside the feeder network face greater uncertainty.

Sixth form retention. Just over 40% of students leave after Year 11, typically for larger sixth form colleges in Worcester or Hereford. While this reflects appropriate progression for many, families wanting continuity through to 18 should consider whether the sixth form offer matches their child's aspirations. Around 20 external students join each year, maintaining cohort size.

Results context. While GCSE outcomes sit in the top 25% of England, A-level performance places the school in the middle band (25th to 60th percentile). The difference may reflect the comprehensive intake progressing through to sixth form rather than losing higher achievers to grammar schools or independent sector.

Hanley Castle High School delivers strong comprehensive education with genuine character. The combination of medieval heritage, modern facilities, and consistent academic performance creates something distinctive. Results exceed England averages at both GCSE and A-level, with four Oxbridge places demonstrating what the most able students can achieve. The March 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed the positive picture, rating all areas Good and highlighting the ambitious curriculum, warm relationships, and effective safeguarding.

Best suited to families within the feeder school network who want a school combining academic rigour with breadth of opportunity. The rural setting, international outlook, and house system create genuine community. Students who engage with clubs, music, sport, and leadership opportunities will find plenty to occupy them beyond lessons.

The main challenge is securing a place. Oversubscribed admissions mean feeder school attendance matters significantly. Families relocating to the area specifically for this school should verify they can access priority through the published criteria before committing.