The Foundation Deed linked Sedbergh with St John's College, Cambridge, and when the School was threatened by Edward VI's Chantries Act, the young King was persuaded by the Master of St John's that Sedbergh was desperately needed 'in the North Country amongst the people rude in knowledge'. In the 18th century it was the leading Grammar School in the North of England, and at the end of the 19th century was completely reconstituted under a powerful Governing Body which laid the foundations of Sedbergh's modern achievements. Today Today the majority of teaching departments are housed in three main buildings, all recently renovated.
Departments have their own modern specialist facilities, subject libraries and private study areas.
The central location of the information Technology Centre ensures easy access by all departments. Powell Hall has ample seating capacity for the whole School and is used as a theatre, cinema, lecture and concert hall. A rehearsal room accommodates small concerts. Recent developments include new Squash Courts, all-weather Tennis Courts, a modern Sanatorium, and a Sports Hall opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1991.