[1] The principal is Mrs Leearna Thomas who has been in the position since the beginning of 2018 after taking over from Mr Francis Hickey.

Designed by local architect H. N. Jepson, the school was expected to accommodate 800 students in separate boys and girls departments.

Construction on the 13 acre site began in October 1937, with the main block opening as a mixed school with an initial capacity of 400 students.

[3] The school and playing fields occupied land originally purchased by the council in the 1930s from the FitzRoy Newdegate family.

[7] The idea of Arbury and St. Joseph's 'swapping' sites was suggested as early as 1969 by the local authority as it planned for the upcoming move to comprehensive education.