The need arose from continuing pressure on the accommodation available at those establishments and the anticipated expansion of the population over the period 1971 to 1981.

The first phase of the building project began at the Booth Lane site in November 1970, completed in time to welcome new students in September 1972.

The college was officially opened on 18 May 1973 by Lord Belstead, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education and Science.

The Lower Mounts site in Northampton town centre was officially opened on 6 July 2011, by Skills Minister John Hayes MP.

In addition, the college has a site at Badby Road West in Daventry where it provides a range of full-time and part-time courses for young people and adults.