The high school was founded on 3 February 1965 after the Grenfell Intermediate School, founded in 1930,[3] separated into Grenfell Public School and THLHS. The school was named in honour of Henry Lawson, a famous Australian poet. The school's motto is "Challenge, Encourage, Achieve".[3]
The school was successful in the Young Achievement Australia awards in 1998 and 1999.[4][5] In 2003, it was reported that the subject of chemistry would no longer be taught at the school for students preparing for the NSW Higher School Certificate.[6]