The college is named after John Ferneley, a painter who lived in Melton Mowbray, and who is regarded as one of the great British equine artists.

Previously a community school administered by Leicestershire County Council, John Ferneley College converted to academy status in November 2011.

As part of the corporate image of the college, no displays of student work are permitted in classrooms, which are instead painted white with a bold single colour feature wall.

The learning zones are:[3] In July 2021, the school received criticism in the local and national media for a new behaviour policy which was to be implemented by Natalie Teece at the start of the 2021–2022 academic year.

[4][5] In April 2024, an Ofsted inspection downgraded the school from "good" to "requires improvement," citing a lack of clear vision for education quality, inconsistent curriculum delivery, uneven teaching practices, and inadequate support for pupils with special educational needs.