The foundation stone of the original building was laid on 22 October 1840 by Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby K.G.

A group of Christian Liverpool citizens, many of whose names are now famous in the annals of the city, then began the building of a school where education might be combined with 'sound religious knowledge'.

William Ewart Gladstone (afterwards four time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) and the same distinguished son of Liverpool showed his interest in the college by delivering a second great speech in the hall on founders' day in 1857.

The Middle School combined literary and scientific training, with special attention to modern languages for boys leaving for business or the professions.

The Council of Liverpool College was therefore one of the most important governing bodies in the kingdom, with 6 schools under its control.

The Upper School of what was then officially called 'Liverpool Collegiate' (since 1863), was moved from Shaw Street to Lodge Lane, Sefton Park in 1884 through the efforts of Rev.

The first instance of a site in Mossley Hill occurred in 1896 where several acres were purchased as playing fields with the present pavilion being built in 1905.

The Junior wing (presently Mossley Vale) was opened by Lord Stanley and the foundation stone of St.Peter's chapel was laid by Mr. H. Sutton Timmis, Chairman of the governors.

The Head of Primary oversees the Prep and Pre-Prep and is one of the Vice Principals of Liverpool College.

[7] The Sixth Form (Years 12-13) is based in Godywn House, a 19th Century Mansion[10] on the College Campus, it was previously home to the Boarding House and Pre-Prep, Before this the Sixth Form was based in the Gladstone Villa (Besford Grange[10]) another 19th Century mansion on the College site.

Beechlands, The current boarding house of the school, which was formerly used as the Music Department prior to its renovation in 2019, before this, from 1957 it was the residence of the Principal of Liverpool College during their tenure.

Finally Conybeare which was renamed after the school took ownership of the original property, it is currently the College's administrative building and houses the Principals office.

[14] The 1950s saw two additions to college site, including Sutton Timmis Hall, built onto the Lower School[15] which was used as the school's theatre until the construction of the MV Building, and the Dining Hall which finished construction in 1957, was built originally out of timber for the cost of £29,025,[16] since then it has gone under a modern refurbishment.

Other developments from this century include Collison, named after L. H. Collison, which is connected to Conybare and Gladstone, The Haygarth Centre, named for R. V. Haygarth former Principal,[17] Now commonly known as the Imagineering Block houses the College's IT and Design facilities as well as the College's Sports Hall which was opened by Anne, Princess Royal.

[18] In 2021 the College constructed the Chavasse VC Poolhouse built on the site of the Old Swimming pool named for N. G. Chavasse VC & Bar, MC, a decorated War Hero and former pupil of the College,[19] It houses additional classrooms of the Prep School which is located next door.

[22] Liverpool College is a registered charity and its objects are "to provide for the inhabitants of Liverpool and others, by the establishment and maintenance of Lectures, School, and other like means, an education suited to their wants upon the most moderate terms; and for this purpose instruction in the doctrines and duties of Christianity, as taught by the Church of England, shall be forever communicated, in combination with literary, scientific, and commercial information.

In addition, the Lower School had its own house system for many years, named for some of the notable alumni such as Chavasse and Glazebrook.

[25][26] The motto 'Non solum ingenii verum etiam virtutis' (a quotation from Cicero) means 'Not only the intellect but also the character'.

[27] A local stone mason, known as Mr Spence, suggested the motto while working on the original College buildings.

All students wear the school blazer which is black with red trims, featuring the coat of arms.

It is no longer in frequent use at the college, However it is said at Old Lerpoolian dinners where the Head Boy or Head Girl of the College is invited to deliver it, the wording of the Grace is: Oculi omnium in te sperant, domine, et tu das escam illorum in tempore opportuno.

The translation is as follows: The eyes of all men wait upon thee, O Lord, for thou givest them their meat in due season.

It is a Latin Speech performed from memory which typically summarises the events that took place in the college over the previous year.

The military training and skills the CCF teaches is delivered by volunteer staff and teachers in the School as well as Regular and Reserve Armed forces personnel.

The College successfully fields teams in a number of sports including Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football Cricket and Athletics.

[38] The current format consists of two legs with a match played in Liverpool and another in the Isle of Man, with the overall winning team being awarded the Mark Richard Wheeler Cup.