However, the school was reorganised to an 11–16 comprehensive in September 1990 as most of the remaining sixth forms in the Dudley borough were replaced with expanded facilities at further education colleges.

In 2008, Ellowes became the highest ranking of the three Sedgley secondary schools in GCSE examinations for the first time when 63% of pupils finished their compulsory education with five or more grades at C or above including English and Mathematics.

Previously a foundation school administered by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Ellowes Hall Sports College converted to academy status in March 2015.

A lesser number of pupils are from the Upper Gornal area, while some are from over the border in Dudley on the Milking Bank housing estate that was mostly developed during the 1980s.

The latest Ofsted report in November 2019 graded the school as 'Requires Improvement', following a period of decline under the headship of Alan Jasper.