The Federation was established in September 2001, as a result of the decision to close the nearby Blessed John Roche Boys' School and open a new Boys' school under the governance, leadership and management of the successful Bishop Challoner Girls' School.
A project allocation of £30.1m was approved by the DfES for an extended campus based on the concept of a 'learning village', to be developed on a phased basis whilst maintaining existing facilities in use.