The Anglican grammar school traces its origins back to 1896 when it was established by Charles Harper.

In 1900, the school moved from the Harper family home to its current site near the banks of the Swan River, approximately 15 km (9.3 mi) from the centre of the City of Perth on 80 hectares (198 acres) of property.

[4] Guildford Grammar School traces its foundations to 1896, when Charles Harper, an influential Western Australian, established in the billiard room of his house (Woodbridge House) a school (under the guidance of Frank Bennett, the first headmaster)[5] which was to cater to the educational needs of his children and those from the surrounding district.

The board of the foundation aims to establish a large and self-perpetuating capital fund of $30 million.

Currently, a portion of the income generated from the foundation's assets funds a bursaries and scholarships program.

The dedication was the inspiration for the current coat of arms, which replaced the cross and coronet of the Harper family.

"Go Forward", the school motto which succeeded the Harpers' Coelum ipsum petimus, appears in a scroll under the arms.

Most of the buildings and sporting fields are named after significant people in the school's foundation and history.

This project includes the redevelopment of the school's playing fields and property bordering the Great Eastern Highway.

The project was expected to cost in excess of $5.5 million and included the construction of a new hockey pitch, a second football oval, 12 new acrylic surface tennis courts, a new sports pavilion and the reconstruction of Roberts Oval.

The program is governed by the state and federal arms of the Australian Army Cadet Corps and is supported by the A SQD Tenth Light Horse.

[12] Harry Campbell Pope Scholarships – Awarded to a number of students entering Year 7 of the Western Australian education system, following an examination and an interview with the Headmaster.

[12] Calder Crowther Scholarship – Awarded every two years to day student candidates from government schools in the vicinity of Guildford.

On weekends, boarders participate in a variety of activities arranged by staff and senior students.

Each house is named in honour of individuals who have had an association with the school and the Western Australian community including: Canon Percy Henn, an influential headmaster of the school, and James Stirling, a man much credited with the settlement of Western Australia.

Each house, informally known as a quarter, is named after a cardinal point; north, east, south, and west.

Students can learn a music instrument during class time in the senior school.

The association exists to provide fellowship to former students, parents and staff and to support the school – especially in the provision of scholarships and financial assistance to families in need.

The club plays its home games at Lilac Hill Park, using the available facilities and clubrooms available.