Bedford House was purchased for the school by the Isle of Ely County Council.

[1] The school opened in May 1905 with thirty girl students under the supervision of the first Headmistress, Miss E.E.Fletcher.

The new site provided for a two-form entry secondary girls' grammar school for 300 students aged 11–16 years and 60 sixth formers.

Students travelled to the school from across the Isle of Ely following selection through the Eleven plus exam.

Song: 'O God, whose light glows in the golden sunshine' There were four Headmistresses of Ely High School.