The school was opened by the mayor of Ryde with 46 day boys, who were put into three houses, Britons, Celts and Romans.

[citation needed] In September 1972, the school's headmaster, Keith Symons, admitted the first girls into the sixth form.

[7] In 1999, a shield was dedicated to May Stacey, who worked on the domestic side of the school for 44 years with close association with the founding family and boarding, awarded annually to pupils in forms 1 to 5 for contributing most to doing good for others.

[citation needed] In summer 2002, Roy McIsaac, the son of the founders, headmaster from 1954 to 1966 and hereditary governor, died aged 82.

[8] [9][10] In November 2010, numbers had increased to 62 boarders and 703 day pupils, with Ofsted praising the school's accommodation, caring attitude of staff to boarders and was judged outstanding in helping children to be healthy, achieve well and enjoy what they do, make a positive contribution, protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe.

[11] On 16 September 2011, the school hosted BBC Radio 4 Any Questions live with chairman Jonathan Dimbleby and panellists Hilary Benn, Simon Heffer, Chris Huhne, Sally Hunt and Victoria Wakely.

[14][15][16] The school was originally located in Hanover House in George Street, Ryde, which also served as the home of headmaster William McIsaac, his wife, Constance and his son, Roy.

Owing to increased numbers of pupils, extra buildings were purchased, as well as an extension to Hanover House, within a year of opening.

As part of its report, it gave a positive write-up to Bembridge Boarding Campus with its friendly atmosphere and many opportunities for recreational activities.

[20] The school fields teams for rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, golf and athletics, among others.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze, Silver and Gold are also offered as are the Royal Navy and Airforce sections of the Combined Cadet Force (CCf).