The school was founded in 1499 by John de Combe, a precentor of Exeter Cathedral and former vicar of Crewkerne, who had been born in the town.

In the 17th century, the trustees gave other support to the poor of the town, lending money during the plague, buying fire buckets, and helping to fund the conversion of the bridewell into a workhouse.

[3][4] It was reported in 1855 that by a recent order of the Court of Chancery the school was free to all sons of inhabitants living within six miles of Crewkerne "for instruction in Latin, Greek, and the principles of the Established Church".

[5] In 1882, the school moved to new premises called de Combe House on Mount Pleasant.

[7] Many carved initials dating from the 19th century survive in the dado panelling of the Abbey Street building.