[6] Applecross runs dedicated art, tennis and chess programs, and has traditionally been dominant in these areas.

[7][8][9][10] It also runs Academic Extension classes, for those students talented in the areas of English, Maths, Science, Society and Environment, French and Japanese.

[11] The school was opened in 1958 to service the rapidly growing south-of-the-river suburbs of the city of Perth.

The gymnasium was converted into a performing arts centre, while the original 'H' block was refurbished for use by business/information technology, careers and vocational education, English, languages, mathematics, society and environment and student services.

Sir Alexander Matheson Bt of Lochalsh, a property developer who in 1897 initiated the subdivision of the suburb of Applecross, became Chief of the Clan in 1920 on the death of his brother, the 2nd Baronet.