[2] With the national move to non-selective comprehensive education in the 1960s, the then-voluntary aided grammar school converted to full independence in 1967.

Originally from Darlton in Nottinghamshire, Reade's will also endowed grammar schools at Tuxford, Notts and Corby Glen, Lincolnshire.

Building programmes since then have included Moloney Hall, named after former headmaster Richard Moloney (MA Cantab Jesus), Norfolk House (named after the Duke of Norfolk whose Yorkshire home, Carlton Towers, is nearby), a Creative Arts centre, the Townend Sports Hall, which underwent further refurbishment in the Summer of 2011, a swimming pool as well as a range of classroom buildings.

Former head teachers include: The school has Army and RAF cadet sections and pupils in Years 8, 9 and 10 are members of one or the other.

Although providing a taste of military life, the primary aim of the CCF is to promote and develop powers of leadership "by means of training to promote the qualities of responsibility, self reliance, resourcefulness, endurance and perseverance"[4] and to this end provides access to a broad range of activities and experience including rock-climbing, campcraft, hill-walking, map reading, first aid, orienteering, shooting, and flying.