The original 1950s school was knocked down and replaced by new premises under the private Finance Initiative in 2001 and is rented from its landlords, Interserve PLC.

As a result of this funding change, Tapton governors sought academy status, which was approved, the changeover date being August 2011.

Outside, there is also a floodlit astroturf and tennis court, used by local organisations and other schools for a range of sports.

In October 2015, a new building opened, with 4 new geography classrooms and a dance studio which is often used as an assembly hall.

[4] School students have attained places on the Prime Minister's Global Fellowship programme.