The school was first established by Archbishop William Sancroft, who by deed on 25 June 1688 granted £54 a year to Emmanuel College, Cambridge to pay a clergyman to teach in Harleston.

The following foundation subjects are offered: French, German, Geography and History, Computing, Design & Technology, Drama, Life Skills, PSHE & RE, Music, Art and PE.

Every student in Key Stage 4 has the opportunity to study subjects that will give them the greatest possible range of choices in the future.

In addition to these courses, all students have PE lessons and RSHE - Relationships, Sex and Health Education which are not examined.

In addition to the 6 core qualifications, all students take 3 of: Geography, History, French, Computer Science, German, PE, Music, Catering, Engineering, Art and Design, Drama, or Enrichment.