Establishment of Sabah College was suggested by the first education director of the North Borneo government, PE Perry in 1947.

The purpose of this school is to help and provide education to potential and bright local children in North Borneo.

During the construction project the Colonial Development Welfare has funded 90% of the cost.

Only selected students which passed special exam were chosen to study at Maktab Sabah.

In the same year, Geoffrey Clarke was appointed as the very first principal of Sabah College.