Hanley Castle High School
Worcester, WR8 0BL · Worcestershire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
9th of 31 secondary schools in Worcestershire we can score, 45 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 829 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.2/10 among them, against 5.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 41.1 · 40 | 30% | 1.21 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.23 · 67 | 25% | 1.68 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 46.1 · 51 | 10% | 0.51 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hanley Castle High School overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in 2023. In 2024/25, 47.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.23 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.6 out of 10 among them, against 6.3 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,142 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,009. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
What support is available for pupils who need to close the gap between their progress and national averages? How does the school maintain its Good rating while addressing the lower performance in similar-intake comparisons?
What Ofsted said about Hanley Castle High School
Overview
Hanley Castle High School provides an "ambitious curriculum for all" where pupils "work hard and achieve well." Leaders set high expectations that are consistently met, fostering "warm relationships" and a culture where pupils feel "safe and happy." The school is rated as Good across all inspection categories.
Strengths
- Staff deliver the curriculum effectively, using secure subject knowledge to explain concepts "accurately and precisely" and help pupils build knowledge in "manageable steps."
- Pupils benefit from a broad range of extra-curricular activities, educational visits, and opportunities to take on responsibility, such as serving as college captains.
- Leaders provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they follow the same curriculum as their peers and "learn well."
- Sixth-form students receive "prompt, precise feedback" and enjoy a "particularly varied enrichment programme," including mentoring younger pupils.
- Careers advice is described as "wide-ranging and impartial," with specific support provided for vulnerable groups to prepare for future education or employment.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure all teachers use new key stage 3 assessment procedures consistently to identify and address misconceptions "swiftly enough."
- Staff need to implement guidance on meeting the additional needs of pupils with SEND more precisely to ensure these pupils receive the "most effective support."
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff are well trained to identify risks and that leaders support vulnerable pupils with "sensitivity and tenacity."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.9 |
| 2024/25 | 47.8 |
| 2025/26 | 46.1 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of WR8 0BL, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT