The school was formerly located on Portchester Road, but was moved to a new site on Harewood Avenue, with the former building being demolished.

Also recently, student Tom Clark became a Guinness world record holder for rowing.

The 2012 World Junior and Cadet Kurash Championship was held at Harewood College's Roy Moore Sports Hall, of which a student from the school itself won a second place award.

Starting in the 2019-2020 academic year, the schools became more inter-linked with shared communal areas and some subjects being held at either of the 2 academies.

During the academic session 2021–2022, 79% of boys achieved a Standard Pass in English and Maths at grade 4+, compared to 27% in 2018–2019.

In the same year, 58% of boys achieved a strong pass in English and Maths at grade 5+, compared to 11% in 2018–2019.

Pupils from both the Avonbourne Boys' and Girls' Academies as well as other schools across the borough can join.

Following the acquisition of the trust by United Learning, the 6th form was re-branded to United Sixth Form All boys must wear grey trousers, white shirt, school tie, school blazer, black socks and black shoes.

The school forbids there being severe contrast between the top of the hair and the sides, with short sides expected to be faded gradually into the top of the haircut so there is no noticeable ‘step’ or layering in boys hair.