The school motto is "Ad Rem Mox Nox", which roughly translates as "Time is short, get to work" or more specifically "Get it done before nightfall".

The building at the school's first location (on Lennard Road, Beckenham) was completed in 1914.

In 1959, the school moved to new buildings in a parkland setting, in Langley Park.

In 1996 it became a technology college, and in 2000 it became part of the South East England Virtual Education Action Zone.

This included music, dancing and a commemorative event - bringing the Olympic torch into the school.