After fees for secondary pupils were abolished in 1927, the school roll rose and it became necessary to build an annexe on Kilwinning Road, on the academy's sports field, in 1932.

A replacement building, which became Ravenspark Academy, opened in August 1969.

The old buildings remained open to serve pupils from Dreghorn and Kilwinning.

The new Irvine Royal Academy was officially opened by Councillor Elliot Gray JP on 22 March 1994.

In recent years Irvine Royal has been known for being a partner school of the Glasgow University.