Opened in 1984 by mathematicians Brian Pain and Simon de Belder, the college was known as Rochester Tutors and was predominantly 6th form, teaching A levels and retakes.

[3][better source needed] It started as one terraced house, but as the school expanded, it gradually bought up 14 (mainly) listed buildings in the heart of a designated conservation area.

The gates are an art installation created by Henry Dagg, sound sculptor, experimental musical instrument builder and Bjork collaborator.

[citation needed] Approximately 25% of the sixth form students are international from countries such as Thailand, Italy, Spain, China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and Russia.

[citation needed] Students from Thailand join the College each year funded by the Royal Thai Government Scholarship programme for A level courses.

[5] Former tutors include BAFTA award-winning film director Clio Barnard and artist and musician Billy Childish.