[1] According to tradition, the school was founded in 1153 by papal delegate Cardinal Nicholas Breakspeare and administered by the Cathedral of Saint Hallvard.

After a great fire destroyed much of Oslo in 1624, the city was relocated and reconstructed, forcing the school to change its location.

After a new gymnasium was opened in Christiania (Oslo's name until 1878), students were offered lessons in extracurricular subjects, including astronomy, philosophy, physics, and metaphysics.

Norwegian language started to be used more within the classroom; natural science lessons were given more priority; and school libraries were established.

During World War II, the German occupants employed parts of the school building, though teaching continued as usual.