[2] Frequently shortened to SMA, as of November 2021, a total of 1,039 boys attended the school, 200 of which were in the co–educational Sixth Form provision.

[1] The school was founded by Alderman William Preston, one time Mayor of Liverpool, and the Vicar of St. Margaret's, Anfield, Reverend John Sheepshanks.

The school opened in 1879 by the parish dignitary and MP for West Toxteth, Mr TB Royden.

The school's first Headmaster was Mr E Crossley and an early teacher and benefactor was Mrs Gertrude Langton.

It is next to the Church of St Anne, Aigburth (C of E) which is the local parish covering the school.