A junior school was later added and is located on a separate site nearby.

The original Sunderland High School was founded in 1883 by the Rector of Bishopwearmouth, Robert Long.

After gaining support from local townsfolk as well as the mayor, the school opened in April 1884 with just 16 full-time pupils at 10-11 Park Terrace, now Toward Road.

After World War II, the school continued to grow and expand.

[4] On 18 January 2016 it was announced that the whole school would be closing at the end of the current academic year due to dropping enrolment and six figure losses.