In the 1880s, the original Harrogate College was a boys' school. The need for a girls' school in the area soon became obvious and opened in 1893. Over the years, the newly opened girls' school flourished while the boys' school was eventually closed. In 1904, the girls' school moved into the present accommodation located across the street from St Wilfrid's Church. From 1939 to 1945, the school was evacuated to Swinton Park, and after the Second World War moved back. Additional extensions that housed a library, a science block and a gymnasium were built later in the 1950s. Later, more buildings were constructed. Gradually, houses on each side of Clarence Drive were acquired and were used as boarding houses. The pre-prep department, known as Bankfield, was opened in 1997, whilst the junior school, Highfield, opened in 1999. Currently, the grounds, playing field, tennis courts, houses and gardens occupy about of the Duchy Estate. The college now consists of three divisions: Highfield Pre-School, Highfield Prep and the main school.
Pastoral Care
As a Christian school, pupils are encouraged to attend chapel services but welcomes pupils of "all faiths or none". The school has links with the local parish church St Wilfrid's Church. A school chaplain oversees pastoral care and spiritual aspects of the school curriculum.
House System
Upon entry, pupils are placed into one of the four houses. Over the school year, the houses will compete in inter-house competitions.
Highfield
The junior school houses are named after four of the Yorkshire Dales.
Nidderdale
Wharfedale
Wensleydale
Swaledale
Senior School
The senior school houses are separate from boarding houses. They are named after prominent British female figures in history.
Austen
Franklin
Nightingale
Pankhurst
Boarding
The school has a long boarding tradition and over half of senior school pupils are boarders. Full or flexible boarding is available to girls aged 10 and above. There are five boarding houses: Armaclare, Clarence, Lancaster, Lincoln, or Tower. The first four are situated in the heart of the campus. Tower House, which is similar to a university hall of residence and houses Upper Sixth girls, is located further away from the main school. Each house is overseen by a housemistress and full-time residential staff who look after boarders during after-school hours.
