The original school was built in 1964 as an 1800-place comprehensive. In 1984 surplus accommodation was adapted to make a community centre for an isolated rural ex-mining community. 2000 adults enrol each year for adult education courses, many of which are linked to the school's sixth form. In addition to the main educational provision there are other services sharing the site including: under 5s; youth centre; day centre for the elderly; leisure centre; centre for adults with learning difficulties; public library; fire training centre. Office space is rented out to services including the probation service and the registrar of births, marriages and deaths.
