[clarification needed] It is New Plymouth's only co-educational secondary school, with a current roll of 892 students.

In exchange, 8 students and 1 teacher from Hatsukaichi Senior High School visited Spotswood College and were hosted by local families.

Classes and groups from Spotswood College have also visited Japan, New Caledonia, Argentina, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, United Kingdom, Greece and Italy.

On 8 August 2012, Spotswood College students Stephen Kahukaka-Gedye and Felipe Melo, both 17, and their Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Education Centre (TOPEC) instructor Bryce Jourdain, 42, were swept out to sea while climbing around Paritutu rock as part of a TOPEC camp activity.

Mr. Daryn Shaw became acting principal for the entirety of term three while Mrs Ngarewa transitioned from Patea Area School.