The school gained Academy status in September 2011, as Shelley College - A Specialist Centre for Science.

The sixth form has its own separate block, the Altitude Building, which holds a small café, study room (ICT suite), office and toilets.

In February 2013, the school opened a new dining area and pastoral offices, followed by a new assembly hall and library in May 2013.

The 2013 Ofsted inspection report awarded the school 'Outstanding', an overall grade 1.

[2] As of June 2018, Shelley College belonged to the expanding SHARE Multi-Academy Trust.