The school had approximately 900 pupils on roll and its motto was Animo Atque Fide.

Counthill Grammar School was planned in the 1930s but construction was delayed by World War II and it opened in September 1951.

Counthill, along with four other failing schools at the time (Breeze Hill, Kaskenmoor, Grange, South Chadderton) were earmarked for closure to form two new Academies.

David J. Clifford resigned as head teacher in March 2005 after Ofsted criticised him as lacking a clear strategic vision for improving his pupils' quality of education.

[3][4] Margaret Ryan, who got the school out of special measures, after replacing Clifford, retired from her post on 12 September 2008.