In 2001, it gained Language College specialist status and changed its name.

In the summer of 2010 the school changed its name once again to Cowley International College.

In May 2024 it is proposed Cowley International College will officially close and reopen as a brand new Academy in September 2024.

The school has recently been subject to a £20 million redevelopment, with a new building for the 11-16 site opened in October 2009 by Ed Balls, Head of Education.

The previous site is currently being redeveloped into a state-of-the-art Sixth Form which opened to students in September 2010.