Hopwood Hall College was incorporated in 1992 and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 17 July 1992.

Since its opening, Hopwood Hall College has provided A Level courses for sixth form students from the local area.

However, since Rochdale Sixth Form College opened in September 2010, the college discontinued A Level provision concentrating on vocational further education for school leavers, Apprenticeships and courses for adult learners.

A Sports Arena was opened on 25 September 2002 by Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Learning and Skills, and Paul Scholes of Manchester United Football Club.

A £7.5m scheme to construct a purpose-built technology centre at the Middleton campus was completed in October 2011 and officially opened on 6 March 2012 by John Hayes, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning.