Work began on the new grammar school in Arthurs Avenue and the staff and pupils transferred in 1933.

To keep pace with these numbers, the school undertook various periods of building expansion, most notably the 1970s addition of a sports hall and gymnasium, as well as music, reflexology and technology facilities.

The current headteacher is Neil Renton who was appointed to the role in January 2019 to take over the post from former head Richard Sheriff in September 2019.

"Arx Celebris Fontibus" translated from Latin as, "A citadel famous for its springs".

The current houses are: Ventus, Ignis, Terra and Aqua, representing the four classical elements.

In 1999, North Yorkshire County Council paid £6000 in an out-of-court settlement, "with no admission of liability" to a former pupil who stated that Harrogate Grammar School persistently failed to protect him from bullying.