The Academy operated as a grammar school for those in Dumfries deemed academically gifted as based on exam results until July 1983.

[3] This is a two-storey building red sandstone in the English Baroque style with ornate carvings by sculptor James H. Douglas of Carlisle.

During the 2006–2007 academic year, a senior tie consisting of a black background with white and maroon stripes and the school crest was introduced, to go along with the junior tie consisting of a maroon background with white and black stripes with the school crest.

The Academy has been a six-year comprehensive school since July 1985 serving part of the Burgh of Dumfries and surrounding rural communities, with an average roll of over 600 pupils and around 50 teaching staff.

Students are placed into one of three houses in their first year; Barrie, Haining and Laurie, which are named after influential pupils that attended the school.