It is located on the outskirts of the town, and has a close working relationship with the co-sited Petroc (formerly East Devon College).

The school can trace its origins back to 1609 when it was founded thanks to a legacy from the wealthy Tiverton wool and cloth merchant, Robert Chilcott.

His will directed his executors "to erect and build a school house the walls and covering thereof to be of stone".

Chilcott was a nephew of, and originally a clerk to, Peter Blundell, another renowned wool merchant in the town, who also left a legacy to start a 'free school' for Tiverton.

In particular, the bad condition of the roof and its propensity to leaks were deemed to be in need of attention.