Carmel College has eight forms which consist of C, A, R, M, E, L and J, P (from former Pope John Paul II) with four houses St. Aidans, St. Bedes, St Hildas and St. Cuthberts.

The modern-day "St. Mary's" building, also known as Hummersknott House, has long been rumoured to be haunted by the college ghost, Harriet.

Carmel underwent a multimillion-pound building project, completed in 2008, which included three new teaching blocks and the refurbishment of many of the old facilities.

Carmel also upgraded its Sixth Form facilities; expanding the common room and providing a "learning resource centre" in the schools library.

Tony Blair paid his last school visit as Prime Minister in 2007 at Carmel before he resigned, officially opening the new "Newton" building housing the Physics, Chemistry and Biology Departments, including 8 laboratories.

In 2021 a multimillion pound development project was initiated, creating a new building over the old stable and connected to the sports hall to create a new sixth form centre which consists of study areas and a fitness centre alongside a production suite overlooking the sports hall.