The School is one of the oldest in the country. The exact date of foundation is not known, but we know that in 1326 a Chantry School was already established at the old castle of Hanley. At the time of the Reformation, Hanley re-emerged as a Grammar School, and we have a charter from 1544 in the reign of Henry VIII. In 1633 a new body of Trustees was appointed and in 1733 the school was re-built; these buildings (much modified) are still in use today.   The 1991 building programme considerably improved the facilities at the school and as a consequence of becoming a Specialist School for Languages we secured funding for a magnificent new £2 million eight classroom language block which was opened in September 2008.

Our aspiration is that: Every Hanley student feels part of a happy, safe school community where they develop self-belief, are listened to and valued. Each individual develops their unique gifts, talents and abilities, maximising learning opportunities both within and outside the curriculum. All young people leaving our care move confidently onto further study or employment having enjoyed our long-standing traditions, achieved their full potential and developed the skills and personal qualities that will ensure future success in an ever-changing international society. We shall achieve this through: A stimulating learning environment, supported by consistent expectations Care, support and intervention that place the individual at the centre of everything that we do Celebration of all forms of success and reward of positive attitude and effort Close partnership between parents, school and the student to support progress A curriculum that promotes understanding and appropriately challenges every student Opportunities outside the curriculum that develop a broader personal development A clear understanding of rights and responsibilities in a global community