Under a succession of clergymen-headmasters the school had achieved a high reputation by the mid 18th century, but the majority of pupils were the fee paying sons of local minor gentry.

This situation remained until the school was closed in 1837 after an investigation by the Charity Commission revealed evidence of mis-management.

It re-opened in 1843 under a new scheme by which the estates were transferred to eleven trustees drawn from the local clergy and gentry.

It was still called a Free Grammar School but fees of 6d a week were charged and the thirty pupils were given a clerks education up to the age of 14 only.

A new scheme was drawn up to provide a grammar school education on modern and scientific lines and building began in 1892.