Collingwood College was created in 1971 through the amalgamation of Bagshot County Secondary School, Barossa County Secondary School and Frimley and Camberley Grammar School.  Today, Collingwood is one of the largest schools in Surrey with approximately 1,700 students on roll and an estate covering more than 30 acres.

While there have been numerous major developments to the estate and facilities, the origins of the College are still evident in its layout with three main buildings known as Barossa, Kingston and the Sixth Form Centre.  Years 7, 8 and 9 have their form rooms and recreational areas in Barossa building, Kingston building is where Years 10 and 11 are based and the dedicated Sixth Form facilities were constructed in 2004.

Status and funding

In 1991, the school’s application for grant-maintained status was overwhelmingly supported by parents following unanimous votes in favour by the Governing Body.

In September 1994, Collingwood College became a self-governing technology college. Successful phases of technology college extension funding were granted in September 1997, 2000, 2003 and 2007.  The additional funding resulting from the acquisition of technology college status was used primarily to fund extensive investment in ICT, with the College's provision well ahead of the national average of 1:3. 

Following a successful Ofsted inspection in March 2007, the College was designated as a high-performing specialist school and, with effect from 1 April 2008, took on a second specialism in vocational education, building on its past successes with a range of initiatives in this area. 

On 1 July 2011, the College converted to academy status, becoming the first high performing specialist academy in Surrey Heath. This new independent status was again supported overwhelmingly by parents and unanimously by governors, with the aim of further developing the College in support of 

In 2015, the College co-founded the 2015 Learning Partnership - a group of five secondary schools across North-West Surrey - to collaborate and share best practice in pursuit of continuous improvement. The partnership is an effective, respected and influential group of North-West Surrey Schools.  

Notable alumni

Collingwood is proud to be the foundation for many distinguished careers. We celebrate the accomplishments of our alumni, who have gone on to excel across a broad spectrum of fields—including the arts, sciences, sport, media, and public service. Their success reflects the ambition, talent, and values nurtured within our college community. Below is a selection of former students whose achievements continue to inspire.

Arts & Entertainment

• Jessica Henwick – Acclaimed actress known for roles in Game of Thrones, Star Wars, and Silk.
• Luke Goss – Former member of 1980s pop band Bros, now a successful actor (Blade II, Hellboy II).
• Matt Goss – Lead singer of Bros, solo artist, and Las Vegas headliner.
• Matthew Chivers (Collyer) – West End performer in We Will Rock You and Blood Brothers.
• Greg Herst – Actor, singer, and musician with credits including The Sound of Music.
• Jason Applin – Vocalist and guitarist with the band Bennet.
• Jason Mirchandani – Vocalist and guitarist with Talking Endlessly.
• Jon Pearce – Founding member of the rock trio Reuben.
• Matt Emberson & Jon Marshall – Members of The Stanley Blacks, with international tours and festival appearances.

Science & Academia

• Clare Burrage – Theoretical physicist at the University of Nottingham, Royal Society Research Fellow, and Maxwell Medal recipient.

Journalism & Media

• Deborah Haynes – Foreign Affairs Editor at Sky News, former Iraq correspondent for The Times.
• Graham Wynne – Designer on BBC’s Changing Rooms and other TV design shows.

Literature

• Susan Imgrund – Award-winning children’s author of The Bother in Burmeon and Trouble in Teutonia.
• Sarah Regan (née Gibson) – Criminal barrister and published short story writer.

Law & Public Service

• Gillian Murdoch – Winner of the national Nigel Asquith Prize for excellence in Business Law.

Sport

• Dan Frazier – Former professional rugby player for Harlequins, Doncaster Knights, and Newcastle Falcons.
• George Saville – Professional footballer for Millwall FC and Northern Ireland.
• Greg Payne – Professional golfer and former England Junior and Amateur team member.
• Claire Wiseman (Maytham) – Captain of the England Women’s Basketball Team at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

Creative Industries

• James Paulding – Creative Manager for Merlin Entertainments in the USA, overseeing attractions like Madame Tussauds and Alton Towers.

Royal visits