Originally designated Shefford & District Upper School, it was as Samuel Whitbread Upper School that it opened on a purpose-built site on 4 September 1973, as part of Bedfordshire County Council's re-organisation into a 3-tier, non-selective school system. Adult education provision was in place from the beginning under Mr Gordon Ainscough, but the name of the institution was not changed to Samuel Whitbread Upper School and Community College until 1975 and it became Samuel Whitbread Community College, at some point in the late 90s. The Headmaster, when the school opened, was Mr Kenneth Dodsworth, and the Chairman of Governors was Alderman W. Inskip. The original intention was for the school to have an eventual roll of 1100, drawn from the existing secondary modern schools and , which were to become middle schools, and from 1975, a planned purpose-built . There were 457 pupils when the school was opened: 249 in what was then the '3rd Year' from the Robert Bloomfield and Etonbury Schools; 94 in the '4th Year' and 117 in the 5th Year who were from Robert Bloomfield only. A vestigial 6th Form of 5 former Robert Bloomfield pupils was enrolled, although 6th form courses were not yet in place. Thirty teachers were employed in September 1973, the last of whom retired in 2007. At that time there were 25 support staff, including 8 cleaners and 9 kitchen assistants.
To help with managing the large number of students, the school employs a House system, whereby students are separated into five "houses" with which they are permanently associated. The five Houses are:
Whittle - House colour: '
Harwood - House colour: '
Olivier - House colour: '
Whishaw - House colour: '
Pendleton - House colour:
They are named after Victoria Pendleton, Ralph Endersby Harwood, Laurence Olivier, Ben Whishaw and Frank Whittle. All of whom have a historical connection to Clifton, Shefford. These houses are used to simplify lesson planning and other activities within the school. Sporting events will often be organised in ‘houses’ culminating in the 'SWA House Olympics' at the end of the year. Houses can earn points throughout the year by succeeding in events like the House Olympics, participating in charity work, or taking more books from the library. The house with the most points at the end of the year are named ‘House Champions.’ The reigning house of 2018-2019 are.
The Society
The school provides for its highest attaining Sixth Form students a programme to prepare them for Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. This programme is headed by the Head of Academia at the school, Professor Hubbard. One aspect of membership of The Society is taking part in the Individual Learning Programme, in which members specialise in a chosen subject to enhance their learning; they may also participate in activities to prepare them for their applications and interviews with prospective universities.
Notable former pupils
Ben Whishaw, actor, noted for acting the lead role in Tom Tykwer's film . His best-known role now is the portrayal of Q in Skyfall.
Jack Collison, a footballer during his time at the school, who has gone on to represent Wales' u21s and full national side as well as playing for West Ham United's first XI.
Crissie Rhodes, one half of British country duo The Shires, who have achieved UK chart success since 2015.
