A school was founded in Midhurst for poor boys in 1672 by local businessman Gilbert Hannam. Initially a school for just 12 pupils, it has varied in size over its 300-year history. The buildings were extended in 1821, but fell into disrepair, with the school closing in 1859. It was re-opened in 1880 as a boys' day and boarding grammar school. By 1944 it was classified as a Voluntary Controlled school, run by West Sussex County Council. Later, in 1956 the school became a mixed school, accepting girls for the first time.