Northallerton is an affluent market town. It is the county town of North Yorkshire, with virtually full employment, and a significantly above-average number of professional parents, including numerous senior managers who commute to Teesside, and live in one of the pleasant villages nearby.

Communications, by road, rail and air, are good. We are situated at the foot of the North York Moors, within easy reach of the Dales, the Lakes and the Northumbria National Park. Northallerton has an expanding population and new property/housing developments in many local villages are easily accessible.

The town recognises the quality of its educational provision, and the college enjoys strong parental support. Nevertheless, the importance of constantly interpreting our philosophy, publicising our successes, and actively wooing local business and industry, must not be understated.

The college has developed from Northallerton Grammar School, which has a six hundred year history. This is reflected in its status as a Voluntary Controlled (non-denominational) institution, with a Governing Body which includes five Foundation Governors, commemorating ancient connections with Durham Cathedral and Durham University.

In 1973, the two secondary modern schools in the town merged and became the Allertonshire; a split-site 11-14 comprehensive school, catering for Years 7, 8 and 9. The Grammar School retained its name, but became an upper school, catering for Year 10 and above. The two institutions are just under a mile apart.