The first school in Palmerston North was situated on the corner of the Main Street East and Princess Street on the site of the Empire Hotel [2015]. However, the original site proved too small and in 1890 - when the roll had reached 400 - classes were transferred to a new building in Campbell Street. There were four main incarnations of Central School - The Original School (corner of Main and Princess Streets, 1872-1890), Campbell Street School (1890-1922), Central School (Featherston Street, built 1922), Central Normal School (became a practice school for teachers college students in 1956).

The new senior studies block was officially opened the first weekend in November, 1980. It was opened by former principal, Mrs Helen Thompson, after whom it is named. The block, which comprises science laboratories, a seminar room and a computer room, cost around $280,000 to build.