In 1912, the school opened with its first 22 pupils in a small classroom on Coffee Street, San Fernando with Miss Edith Doyle as the first Headmistress and the sole teacher.

In 1914, With the school's popularity growing, a small dormitory was created in an existing structure on Coffee Street to house ten girls with Miss Mary John becoming the first matron.

Miss Beattie's vision for the school was one of holistic education, aiming to build sound character through all-round development.

It was in 1925, that NGHS attained the official status of Secondary School and the first Senior Cambridge class consisting of two students sat the external examination.

In keeping with these words to live by, all students are required to complete forty hours of community service during the first four years (forms 1–4) of their secondary education at the school.