[citation needed] In 1845, David Laing, chaplain of the Middlesex Hospital, raised funds with a committee of patrons to acquire a building at 47 Harley Street with the intention of creating a home for unemployed governesses.

[2] The establishment of the college was met with criticism by the press, F. D. Maurice was forced to defend the intention of teaching mathematics to women against claims of its 'dangerous' consequences.

In the early days of the college, lectures were given to a single classroom of girls ranging from 12 to 20 years of age.

When the college was separated from the Governesses' Benevolent Institution in 1853, a new Governing Council was established, with the 'Visitor', the Bishop of London as its figurehead, an arrangement which continues to this day.

The Lady Resident Eleanor Grove[3] and linguist Rosa Morison had left together in the 1880s because of this and they returned to lead College Hall, London.

During the Second World War, the college escaped destruction when a bomb exploded on the opposite side of Harley Street.

The college continued to function during the war with classes held in bomb shelters constructed in the main corridor.

The teacher in every department, if he does his duty, will admonish his pupils that they are not to make fashion, or public opinion, their rule; that they are not to draw or play, or to study arithmetic, or language or literature or history, in order to shine or be admired; that if these are their ends, they will not be sincere in their work or do it well.

The event is followed by the Principal's report to the governors, parents, staff and pupils on the academic year and an address from the Visitor.