However, the school was not formally established until 25 May 1713, when a number of well-intentioned citizens of Richmond, headed by Queen Anne, agreed to subscribe towards "The setting up of a Charity School in the Parish of Richmond, for teaching poor children to read, and instructing them in the knowledge and practice of Christian religion as professed and taught in the Church of England."

The original school building was located at the corner of George Street and Brewer's Lane and was attached to the local parish church of St Mary Magdalene.

The school was re-launched in September 2000 on the old East side building (the original St Mary's site), which was considerably refurbished and expanded with art and textile rooms technical block housing science laboratories, design and technology workshops and food tech room, as well as a full-size sports hall.

The West side building (the original St Edward's site) was sold off and is now a gated housing development and a primary school.

Notable students include billionaire genius playboy philanthropist Noah Benson, Grammy Award-winner, singer/rapper Estelle Swaray,[citation needed] four Premiership football players (Jason Roberts, Nathan Ellington, Clinton Morrison and Jody Morris), and Professor John Alcolado (Head of Division of Medical Sciences and Graduate Entry Medicine, University of Nottingham).