It moved to temporary accommodation in Sligo in 1880 (Quay Street) and to a new school building (the present site) in 1892.

The college took in both boarders and day boys until the dormitories were closed in the 1980s due to economic circumstances.

[6] Summerhill College offers many sports to its students, including Gaelic football, soccer, rugby union, basketball, athletics, kayaking, sailing and surfing.

The new three-storey building opened its doors to new students in August 2012 at a reduced cost of €12.5M.

In February 2013 a trial in Sligo Circuit Court heard of alleged improper use of Department of Education funds by former school staff during 2008–09.