It is the first senior school in the country to be based on the ethos of Opus Dei and is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark.

[6][7] The school opened in a Grade II listed building that was acquired by the trust, dates back to 1761 and was known as the Coombe House.

Two extensions were added during the 1950s, and the building was latterly owned by an NHS trust as Geoffrey Harris House, a residential care home for those with mental health and learning difficulties.

The Foundation already runs similar schools in other countries and said, "The aim of the project is to support children and young people by offering them activities to develop their skills, both in sports and relational and social integration."

Officially opened by former player Emilio Butragueño, it involves free football sessions at the school that are led by coaches trained by Real Madrid.