The College has its origins in the school endowed by Thomas Harley in Osgathorpe in the seventeenth century. In 1907 Coalville Grammar School was opened in Forest Road supported by the trustees of the Harley Foundation. The school became an Upper School and Community College in the 1960s and 1970s and still retains its links with the Foundation.

In 2005 the College was awarded Specialist Status and became a Specialist Science and Sport College.

The College caters for the 14-19 year phase of the Leicestershire Plan. Very close professional relationships exist between the teachers of the College and those in our feeder schools; Castle Rock, Newbridge and Ibstock.