It lies on the former site of Old Hall School, at the corner of High Street and Little Common Lane in Kimberworth.

These "Winter Hills" were the spoil heaps from the coal-mining operations in the area and were effectively removed by landscaping in 1976.

In September 2017, the City Learning Centre @ Winterhill has been combined with the school and now contains the visitor entrance.

The school employs around 150 staff and has an enrolment of 1,200 pupils (despite having the capacity for almost 1,600) and accommodates children from Years 7–11.

Winterhill School has also become an Accredited Test Centre for the European Computer Driving Licence.