It was founded in 1947 as a small boys' school and grew under long-serving headmaster Peter Knatchbull-Hugessen.

Extensive additions to the accommodation were carried out in 1998 under a building programme which included a sports hall, music school and two technology suites.

All boys generally take English, Maths, Science, French, Classics, History, Geography, Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Design & Technology (DT), Art, ICT, PE and Reasoning.

Besides the main sports, boys may represent the school in squash, swimming, cross-country, hockey, polo, shooting, table tennis, and chess.

Activities available range from interest clubs, music, riding, drama and chess.