The school was opened on September 13, 1976 as a secondary institution with J. L. Whinstanley as principal. There was a certain amount of vacillation about its name, but eventually settled as Catherine Hall High School. After a few years it was changed to Comprehensive and then to Herbert Morrison Comprehensive High School, being named after Dr. Herbert Morrison, philanthropist.

The school started with 480 students: 240 in grade 7, 120 in grade 8 and 120 in grade 9. The grades 8 & 9 students were selected by the school, via tests and interviews. There were 16 teachers. Twelve classrooms were in place but hardly any other facilities. There were no canteen, very basic science equipment and a limited number of tools for serious work in the practical areas.