Saint Nicholas School was established in 1939 in a group of buildings set in the heart of the hamlet of Churchgate Street, near Old Harlow. A move to nearby Hillingdon House in 1977 and a substantial building programme in recent years allowed for gradual expansion of the school to its present size of over 350 boys and girls aged 4–16.
The school is situated in gardens and grounds which extend to more than 14 acres (57,000 m2). Infants, juniors and seniors are each housed in their own area, within close proximity of each other, enabling access to shared facilities. The school is equipped with specialist classrooms, science laboratories, technology areas, ICT rooms, senior and junior libraries and a theatre. Sports facilities include extensive playing fields, tennis courts, heated swimming pool and a sports hall.
The school is a registered charity, managed by the Board of Governors and the Headmaster. The Headmaster is in membership of the Independent Schools Association and the Independent Schools Council Information Service.
The current headmaster is Keith Knight.
The current head of design & technology is Mrs Reilly.