Funded by public money, the College began in Stratford-upon-Avon with the establishment of a School of Art in the summer of 1877.

A number of special classes were started, in various Stratford locations, on butter and cheese-making (from 1891), cooking (from 1892), and wood carving, shorthand, dress cutting, laundry, and cottage nursing (from 1893).

The Principal at the time, and throughout most of the 1970s, was Charles Jeffery: he was instrumental in setting up the Drama and Liberal Arts department and in appointing Gordon Vallins as its head.

The HEIA has standing reputation as an outstanding provider of education and training designed specifically to support the international learner on their journey in becoming a global citizen.

The college offers counselling services for students, and runs weekly tutorial and enrichment sessions.