The school building was rebuilt during 2007-2009 and opened in September 2009. This was to replace the aging building built in the 1970s. The school celebrated 40 years open in September 2017. In January 2018 for the first time in its history, the school was placed into special measures by Ofsted, following the November 2017 inspection. This happened as a result of low pass rates in English and maths (in which the school ranked in the bottom 10% nationally), poor leadership, as well as noticeable behavioural and attendance issues. The school previously ranked as requires improvement in September 2015, and Good in 2012.
Previously a voluntary aided school administered by Manchester City Council, in June 2021 St Matthew's RC High School converted to academy status. The school is now sponsored by the Emmaus Catholic Academy Trust. It continues to be a Catholic school under the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford. The school was reinspected vu Ofsted in November 2022 following complaints about serious, school-wide issues, and was rated as "Inadequate" in all categories.
