In the 1830s Vinehall was owned and remodelled by Tilden Smith Esq, a partner of the Hastings Old Bank.

Vinehall started its life as a country preparatory school for boys aged five to fourteen years, opening with six local children.

He ran the school until 1957, at which point it was handed down to his stepson Richard Taylor and his wife Patricia.

Several new buildings were added, including a new classroom block, science labs, a theatre, and an indoor swimming pool.

In the recent past, the purpose-built pre-prep was added, as were a theatre, sports hall, and in 2000, the Millennium Library and classroom complex.