[1] The school opened in 1881 opposite Holstentor, and in 1885 moved to Moorweidenweg, which was renamed Moorweidenstraße in 1892.

After gaining an extra floor in 1929, the school was damaged in an air raid in 1943, and moved to Holstenglacis.

Alumni may join the Altherren-Vereinigung des GRV„H“ e. V and donate money to the schools rowing club.

The school wants to educate youths of requisite qualifications from every social class and ethnic group.

It has a diverse student body and enrolls many youth from immigrant families and from poor neighbourhoods.