On 31 March 1978, Rhodes High School was birthed out of an amalgamation of Observatory Boys High (founded in 1895), and Observatory Girls High (founded in 1903). The school, situated in Little Mowbray, stands in its beautiful setting on the slopes of Devils Peak, and along the banks of the Liesbeek River. It is flanked by the N2 highway, and in close proximity of rail and road commuter networks, which links the school with the greater Cape Town area.

When, in 1991, learner totals at Rhodes High School dwindled alarmingly, the school took to heart its motto to "Persevere", and courageously triumphed through trying times. The doors of learning were then opened to learners from far reaching areas across the Cape Peninsula. Taking cognisance of the role of a School in a democratic South Africa, the school has become a microcosm of this, enrolling learners from previously disadvantaged areas and communities. Today, our school has a roll of 960 learners and is still growing.