HANLEY Castle High School has won the Secondary School of the year award at the Worcester News Education Awards.

Hanley Castle High School has a combination of traditional values and forward thinking.

The school has had fantastic GCSE and A level results, a strong focus on STEM subjects, diverse global links and unmatched support for children who are vulnerable or have additional learning needs.

The percentage of A level students achieving AAB in at least two facilitating subjects was comfortably the highest for any non selective school in Worcestershire, with a high proportion of students becoming successful Oxbridge candidates.

Rob Johnston, deputy head, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and would like to thank the staff and students and the wider community for their contribution to making the school a success."

New College Worcester were delighted to be finalists for the Secondary School of the year award.

All pupils who attend New College Worcester are blind or visually impaired.

They demonstrate remarkable resilience, tenacity and desire to succeed.

The students not only follow national curriculum, they also study for GCSEs and A Levels, developing skills and understanding through touch, sound and some, their residual vision.

In addition, the college provides a skills curriculum including independent living skills, mobility, braille and access technology to ensure the young people are prepared for in a sighted world.

Nicki Ross, Principal of New College Worcester said: “We were absolutely delighted to have nominations in three categories at the awards and to be shortlisted for Secondary School of the Year.

"It is wonderful to be recognised for providing great education and life skills for our blind and visually impaired young people who come from all around Worcestershire and beyond”

Ipsley CE RSA was a finalist in the Secondary School of the year award.

The school provides a safe environment in which a child is valued as an individual, can find security, acceptance and reassurance and also be given an opportunity to develop to their full potential.

The school aims to create a happy community in which Christian values are upheld.

All pupils will be valued regarding their differing needs, ability and backgrounds and prepared for the next stage of their education in the RSA Family of Academies.

They achieve academic excellence through working within the Redditch Pyramid.