Undergoing rapid expansion, particularly in the 1950s, the future of St Charles was seemingly assured until, with declining interest in vocations in the Catholic Church, the college almost closed its doors in 1978.

It was saved by the eleventh-hour intervention of a small group of Old Boys who worked to re-establish the college, resulting in a non-denominational school with a secular Headmaster.

In 2002, Previous headmaster Ronnie Kuhn, implemented CIE Examinations into the school system and 2012 marked the tenth anniversary that St. Charles College has benefited from using CIE. Students in grade 10, write IGCSE and students in grade 11 and 12 write AS and A Levels, the GCE Advanced Level.

A number of its pupils have represented Kwazulu-Natal & South Africa over the years in various age groups, including the senior national team.

O'Meara House was disbanded by former Principal, Mr Ronnie Kuhn, in 1991 due to small numbers at the college in the early years of his Principalship.