The school opened in 1961 through the initiative and funding by the people of St Joseph's Church, Aldershot. Celebrations during 2011-2012 included a Mass to which former staff and students were invited. Additional buildings and structural alterations and extension were added in the successive decades. Between 2010 and 2011, the school completed a major extension providing two new classrooms and a new science laboratory, and refurbished three other classrooms. There are also enhanced staff facilities and a completely redesigned reception area. Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, gymnasium with fitness suite, a theatre with raked seating and an art gallery/exhibition space. In 2011 a Jubilee Memorial Garden was completed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the school. Construction of a new Sixth Form Centre has finished and contains two photography classes, two science labs and about 4 other classes, it has a cafeteria known as father dan's, a study centre and a common room. It also contains a auditorium for school assembly and theatrical performances and award presentation. The school has had a minority of students from each of the BRICS countries since the turn of the new millennium, as well as a recognition in the Ofsted report of popularity among families of the Gurkhas and British Nepali descendants.
Extra curricular activities include a number of sports such as football, rugby, fitness, cricket, netball, rounders and swimming. There are also numerous musical activities such as Cantamus, Boy's choir, Chamber Choir, Folk Band, String Orchestra, Senior Strings, Modern Jazz Quartet, Big Band, Senior Girls Choir, Acapella Choir and Rock Experience. It also is the location of "Violins Together", "Cellos Together" and "Voices Together", which are groups open to all nearby schools.
Assessment
The school was judged Outstanding in 2011, the highest category, having in the 2004 inspection been at good. All of the four grouped criteria were outstanding. The report led with "An outstanding curriculum and highly effective care, guidance and support have enabled the school to maintain outstanding achievement for students over a number of years. The care of students is at the heart of the school; students' individual circumstances and needs are well known to staff and support is provided promptly." Depending on which of the main subjects is analysed, results overall in 2012 were in the top quintile nationally for two subjects and third quintile for the third subject area, Science. The 2013 results had "improved significantly" by 2013 according to the Ofsted report, results which have yet to be put into national groups for comparison between similar and all schools.
