Northallerton College was formerly known as Northallerton Grammar School, it was founded in 1323. Parts of the old school building can be seen adjacent to All Saints' Church near the north end of Northallerton High Street.

In 1994 the School governors decided to change the name from Grammar School to College in order to reflect the reality of their service to the whole community.

Northallerton College educates young people between the ages of 14 and 18, (Year 10 to Year 13). The Allertonshire School is the college's partner school, educating children between the ages of 11 and 14 (Year 7 to Year 9).

Northallerton College receives students from the town of Northallerton and from a number of primary schools in surrounding villages, these include:

• Appleton Wiske
• Ainderby Steeple
• Brompton
• East Cowton
• East Harlsey
• Great Smeaton
• Hornby
• Ingleby Arncliffe
• Kirkby Fleetham
• Knayton
• North Cowton
• Osmotherley
• Romanby
• South Otterington
• Worsall

Northallerton College receives a number of A Level students from local schools.