On 1 February 2011, the school officially gained academy status.

It is a member of the South West Academic Trust – a collaboration of seven high-performing grammar schools and Exeter University.

In July 2008, the Cross building was officially opened – the new music and drama block.

The school purchased its own residential study centre in Tregourez, Brittany, in 1990.

Pupils in years 7 and 9 stay there during May/June as a form to encourage social interaction and improve their French.

When she was 16 she visited a school in Kenya that was started by Catherine Omanyo and she decided she wanted to help.