When the school opened in 1959 as Leyburn County Modern School, it became the community school for the whole of Wensleydale and, in 1971, it reached further when it became a comprehensive school by combining with Yorebridge Grammar School in Askrigg. In 2008, the school opened a new post-16 block.[1] Through a partnership with Queen Elizabeth College Darlington, additional courses are offered to certain year students.[2] Approximately 500 pupils attend the school, whose ages range from 11 to 16.[3] The majority of pupils come from eight small, local primary schools in the Wensleydale area, although its reach does stretch further.[4]