The school was opened in March 1939 by Sir Peter Meadon, Lancashire's director of education at a cost of £30,000.

[3] The school's swimming pool opened in January 1976, four months later than originally planned and costing around £200,000.

The Lydiate Building was the first part of the school to be erected and for many years had a large quadrangle in its centre, housing a variety of animals, including peacocks.

Departments such as Information Communication Technology, Music, Physical Education and Performing Arts all have a place inside three unified buildings.

It is 3 storeys tall and was home to the Modern Foreign Languages, and Science departments.