[citation needed] It was based in the buildings of the former Hospital of St John the Baptist in the town centre until 1883.

The school expanded greatly under the headmastership of Edmund Tucker from 1933 to 1964, celebrating the 400th anniversary of its Royal Charter in 1962 with a visit from Queen Elizabeth II.

Headmaster Philip Wayne apologised "on behalf of the whole school community of governors, staff and boys" and said the volunteer who set the question would not be returning.

[15] It incorporates en-suite bedrooms, communication technology, three resident Housemasters and a committee of House Tutors.

[18] Other activities include the Public Speaking Society, music and orchestras, drama, social service, fencing and other sports.

[21] The Combined Cadet Force has Navy, Army and RAF sections open for boys in KS4 & 5 (Years 10 and above) where they learn skills such as field-craft, map and compass, drill, leadership and first aid, while also taking part in activities such as weapon handling, sailing and flying.

[23] Its alumni founded the town's local rugby club High Wycombe RFC, originally known as Old Wycombiensians FC.

[24] Sporting alumni include golfer Luke Donald,[25] 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson,[26] 1993 Rugby World Cup Sevens winner Nick Beal.,[27] 400 metres hurdles athlete Martin Gillingham, England Hockey Captain Jon Wyatt, and the cricketers Phil Newport and Saif Zaib.

[28][29] Alumni of the RGS are known as Old Wycombiensians, or OWs, and include Chris Grayling,[30] former UK Secretary of State for Transport, the singers Ian Dury and Howard Jones,[31] the comedian Jimmy Carr[11] and the philosopher Roger Scruton.

Notable sporting alumni include former England rugby union player Matt Dawson, Ryder-Cup winning captain golfer Luke Donald and sprinter Martin Gillingham.