[2] The school fully opened to students aged 13–16 in 1977 under the leadership of its first head, Dr Morris.

This involved the redevelopment of the current site and constructing a new building on the former playing fields and tennis courts.

The building is now owned by OPERON, and the school pays £1 million annually to rent the facilities from 6 am to 6 pm.

Once a thriving part of the school, Oulder Hill's sixth form began to decline from the year 2000 onwards.

Previously a community school administered by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Oulder Hill Community School converted to academy status in March 2022 and was renamed Oulder Hill Leadership Academy.