Opened in September 1912 as The County School, Whitby, the College began life as a co-educational grammar school, with about 300 pupils. In 1972, it received its first comprehensive intake and a new name – Whitby School. At this time, pupils also began to transfer at 14, rather than at 11 as in the past.

In 1993, we became Whitby Community College. The governors were determined to encourage more people of all ages to take advantage of the opportunities the College can offer, and to widen the horizons of its students. In September 2002, we gained specialist school status, with a Technology specialism. This recognises our strengths and achievements, and means that our students gain from considerable additional funding, initially for four years. The main thrust of the specialism is to widen teaching and learning styles in a host of ways, particularly through ICT, to help all youngsters to reach their potential.

In March 2004, the College signed a formal agreement with Caedmon and Eskdale Schools (both 11-14) to form a confederation. This means increasingly close collaboration between the three schools, for the benefit of all our students. We were the first secondary schools in North Yorkshire to form such a partnership.

In Summer, Year 9 students transfer to the College for the last three weeks of the summer term, becoming Year 10 students in July, rather than September. This development is the result of careful collaboration between the three schools, as a result of the Confederation.

In addition, we are in the prestigious position of being able to train staff at other schools and colleges to deliver the qualifications in their own institutions – a rare position for a school rather than a Further or Higher Education institution to hold.

The College works in close partnership with a range of other organisations. In particular, we are partners with the Community Education Service, which offers a wide range of provision for adults and young people. Mature students can also join day time Post-16 courses, where they make a significant and enriching contribution.

The College strives for continuous improvement, aiming to bring leading edge teaching and learning to one of the most beautiful and historic places in the country.