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Reviewed

Hanley Castle High School

State school · Worcester, WR8 0BL
  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 11-18
  • 1,100 pupils
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

A genuinely comprehensive education that has high expectations and is one of the friendliest state schools we’ve visited. Excellent leadership too, ensuring it’s on the up and up.

Why read our school review?

Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,100 ·
Religion
None
Local authority
Worcestershire County Council

Headteacher

Head

Headteacher Mark Stow

Since September 2022, Mark Stow BSc PGCE MEd NPQEL, who very much sets the tone to this calm and welcoming school. Grew up in the west country, where he attended his local comp. Straight A’s at A level, followed by biochemistry at Warwick and PGCE at

Entrance

Around 300 applications for 180 year 7 places (200 name it as a first-choice school). Waiting lists in most year groups. Academically non-selective, with children coming from over 30 primary schools. Priority given to EHCPs, looked-after children,

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Kempsey Primary School 23 %
Other 16 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Upton-Upon-Severn CofE Primary and Pre School 16 %
Welland Primary School 10 %
Hanley Swan St Gabriel's with St Mary's CofE Primary School 8 %
Pendock CofE Primary School 6 %
Eldersfield Lawn CofE Primary School 6 %
Castlemorton Church of England Primary School 6 %
Twyning School 3 %
Malvern Wyche CofE Primary School 2 %
Malvern Parish CofE Primary School 2 %
Unknown 2 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Data highlight

Exit

Just over 40 per cent leave after year 11 – mostly for the Worcester and Hereford sixth form colleges, Heart of Worcester College and Hartpury. ‘I’d love to let all students have a pathway here, but there’s no point in us branching into the

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
68%
LA avg.
63%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2025, 20 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 49 per cent 9-5 in both English and maths. At A level, 26 per cent A*/A (57 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
51.8%
LA avg.
42.8%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)

School
38.27
LA avg.
31.83
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

Curriculum and teaching review has already led to some nifty techniques becoming embedded, including starter activities to every lesson and more use of individual whiteboards and follow-up questions from the teacher to deepen understanding. A culture

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • BTEC
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
62
Number of teachers
18:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

Twelve per cent are on the SEN register, plus another six per cent on the monitoring list; 61 EHCPs. Main needs are dyslexia, autism and, in third place, ADHD. High rate of speech and language difficulties, and school has experience of visual

4 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
9 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

We Will Rock You, the first whole-school production since Covid, has breathed much-needed life back into the drama department. ‘It was the best thing ever!’ a sixth former flamboyantly proclaimed. ‘I made friends across all year groups and loved the

Sport

Four hours per fortnight – and thumbs up from parents that this continues during the GCSE years. Football, rugby, cricket and netball are the staples – with netball currently having its day (the ex-international coach has done wonders for

Ethos & heritage

School claims to be ‘one of the oldest in the country’. Exact date of foundation isn’t known but in 1326 a Chantry School was already established at the castle of Hanley which, at the time of the Reformation, re-emerged as a grammar school. In 1733

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

Students say form tutors ‘know us well’ and that school ‘values wellbeing above everything’. A few told us of challenges they’d faced, saying the pastoral support ‘could not have been better’. Particular praise for the wellbeing room, the school

Pupils & parents

Students we met were a delight – great conversationalists and proud of their school. Because of the large catchment, this is where most of them come to see their friends – it’s more than just school. They arrive by car and bus (public, local

1,100
Number of pupils

The last word

A genuinely comprehensive education that has high expectations and is one of the friendliest state schools we’ve visited. Excellent leadership too, ensuring it’s on the up and up.

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Good
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Good

Full inspection: Good

Leadership and management Good

What the school says

We are proud to be a place where students thrive academically, socially and personally. Rooted in centuries of tradition yet driven by innovation and evidence-informed teaching, we offer a rich, inclusive environment where ambition, curiosity and character flourish. Our inspiring curriculum, exceptional pastoral care and vibrant enrichment programme empower every student to discover their strengths and shape their future. From outstanding exam results to unforgettable experiences, we prepare young people not just for success, but for life. At Hanley, every child is known, valued and supported - because excellence is not an accident, it’s our culture.

Contact the school

Address

Church End
Hanley Castle
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR8 0BL
Get directions

Telephone: 01684 593241

Email: office@hanleycastle.worcs.sch.uk

Website: http://www.hanleycastle.worcs.sch.uk

Local authority: Worcestershire County Council

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School data & information Hanley Castle High School Church End, Hanley Castle, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 0BL
1,100 Pupil numbers
14.5 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
2 % Pupils whose first language is not English
18:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
62 Number of teachers
14 Number of teaching assistants
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Hanley Castle High School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
51.8%
LA avg.
42.8%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
50.90
LA avg.
44.50
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.23 Score Average
≈ 35% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 10 6
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 63 7
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 46 6
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 17 7
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 163 5
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 103 5
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 61 5
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 92 5
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 46 5
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 163 5
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 163 6
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 32 6
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 39 4
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 33 5
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 5
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 63 7
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 86 5
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 63 7
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 55 5

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
18.1%
LA avg.
12.9%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
38.27
LA avg.
31.83
Eng. avg.
34.45

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Psychology GCE A level 24 B
Physics GCE A level 9 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 8 A
Mathematics GCE A level 27 A
History GCE A level 20 A
Government and Politics GCE A level 12 B
Geography GCE A level 14 B
English Literature GCE A level 7 B
English Language GCE A level 6 B
Economics GCE A level 20 B
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 8 A
Chemistry GCE A level 12 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 29 B
Biology GCE A level 22 B
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 9 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE AS level 8 A

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Hanley Castle High School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

4 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
9 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment Yes
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs Yes
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Good
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Good

Full inspection: Good

Leadership and management Good
Our data explained
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