Founded by the 17th British governor of Hong Kong, Sir Cecil Clementi, the school was the first to use Chinese as the primary medium of instruction in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong governor Cecil Clementi had a profound interest in the Chinese language and decided to establish a school using Chinese as the main medium of instruction.

During World War II, the school suspended its operations under the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong.

The school has been relocated several times: It has been at the current site of 30 Fortress Hill Road since September 23, 1961.

The school principal is currently Mrs. Fung Lai Miu-yee, who succeeded Ms. Li Sui-wah in 2013.