It has around 1050 students enrolled, including the Sixth Form.

In September 2004, the school was granted Specialist Music College status, designated by the Department for Education and Skills.

Julian Lloyd Webber and Howard Goodall are patrons of the school.

Between 1977 and 1979, a second teaching block was built together with another gymnasium (the 'New Gym').

The school became grant-maintained in September 1990 and three years later a three-storey building named "Cobbett Block" after the former Chairman of Governors was opened by the then MP David Howell alongside the Headmaster David Smith.