It was founded early in 1931 by the Marist Brothers, a religious congregation dedicated to education and under the patronage of the Virgin Mary.

The school had eight houses named after abbeys in Scotland: Balmerino, Melrose, Jedburgh, Lindores, Paisley, Kelso, Iona and Dunkeld.

At that time, Catholic secondary education was provided by the Sisters of Mercy at Lawside Academy for both boys and girls.

In 1931, a new "Central School" was set up to take the boys and girls of post-primary age who did not continue to Lawside Academy.

[2] On 15 November 2004, plans for a £11.5 million refurbishment and extension to the Harefield Road building were submitted to the Education Committee of Dundee City Council.

The demolition of the 3 storey teaching block made way for the construction of a new four-storey building, which, apart from classrooms, also includes a 25-metre 5 lane swimming pool, fitness suite, games hall, community wing and dance studio.