September 1939 saw a sudden rise in numbers to 530 as evacuees arrived, half of them from East Ham Grammar School, London.

There was another re-organisation in 1983 when Commonweal became a seven-form entry comprehensive school for pupils aged 11 to 16, therefore losing its sixth form.

Doctor C.E Jones was appointed headmaster in 1932, and his name is commemorated in the shield awarded to the house that wins the annual Sports Day.

In December 2012, it was announced by head teacher Keith Defter that the Department for Education had accepted the school's bid for a sixth form.

This opened in September 2014 with places for up to 300 students in new, purpose-built facilities such as a café, rehearsal rooms, recording studio and a 150-seat auditorium, funded by the Department for Education.