Founded in 1940 to meet the schooling and boarding needs caused by the Second World War, it was originally established in 1940 at "The Cross" in Repton with just eight boys.

[4] The present building was built in 1759 to 1761;[4] and is of Georgian and Palladian architectural style with an imposing portico, cursive and round domes, chamber, pillars and a magnificent south front.

A double spiral staircase leads up to the 1st floor – to the rectangular balcony and pillared front entrance of the Hall and into the approximately 1,000 square feet (93 m2) main hall/living area of the building which consists of two large imposing fireplaces and a glass chandelier.

Another balcony sits outside the back entrance but is connected to imposing angular staircases on either side with right-angled twists; instead of the spiral ones found on the front face.

At the front main entrance, the doorway is sealed by a black wooden door and leads slightly down into a storage room; which nowadays also houses the water boiler.

In 1835, the hall was described thus: "Foremark, three miles west from Melbourn, is distinguished as having within its precincts the beautiful seat of Sir Francis Burdett, most judiciously and romantically placed, amidst scenery of a rich, bold and varied character, upon the southern banks of the Trent – the hanging hills being crowned by thriving plantations.

The house is spacious, and its appearance imposing to a considerable degree ; the pleasure-grounds are very tasteful, and lead down a valley, through finely wooded avenues to the banks of the river.

The church, here, which is dedicated to our Saviour, is a small, plain edifice: the living is a perpetual curacy, in the patronage of Sir Francis Burdett.

D.L., J.P. lord of the manor and sole landowner, [has] a fine stone mansion, surrounded by beautiful trees and shrubs ; in the grounds is a lake of considerable dimensions.During the course of World War I the hall was taken over by the British army as a military hospital.

During World War II it was used as an Officer Cadet Training Unit; the military identification plate nailed to one of the pillars of the front entrance is still present.