The grammar school was founded in 1547 and started teaching in 1572 with 10 pupils.

The school gained academy status on 1 April 2011.

[1] The school previously had state boarding provision, but this was closed in 2019.

A new humanities block composed primarily of permanent classroom "blocks" (lowered onto each other by crane) was opened in 2010 to replace the old Quad courts.

In 2011 the upper site technology blocks, hosting food technology, textiles, graphic products and product design, were refurbished.