The new school was officially opened on 11 July 1930 by Sir Charles Trevelyan, President of the Board of Education.

The school was originally divided into seven houses, each with its own colour and motto: Burke (Nil nisi bene), Drake (Semper audacter), Gainsborough (Vis unita fortior), Nelson, Newton (Consilio et animis), Sidney (Animo et fide), and Wellington (Pactum serva).

In present times, the houses remain but they are now named after stately homes in Derbyshire – Chatsworth, Hardwick, Haddon, Kedleston.

In 2015, a new building was built and a Primary Phase was opened, making Bemrose an all-through school for ages 3–19.

Work began in 2017 on a £14 million three-year refurbishment and expansion program that will create places for an additional 700 pupils at the school.