It was established in 1970 on the site of the old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, designed by George Gordon Hoskins.

Much of the building was refurbished following a fire in 1987 and on 17 April 1991, the Duchess of Kent opened the library.

In 2004 a large extension was completed, the Trinity building, including a new sports hall, art department and atrium study area, increasing the capacity of students.

In 2012 another extension was completed with the Stanhope building, designed to house creative arts and media, as well as a refurbishment of the library with more computer and study areas.

[1] Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College has almost 2000 students, mostly aged 16–18.