But what a history it has and we could not wait to find out more about it.
We have photos from 1974 to 2017 showing everything from a VIP visitor in 1994 to students cooking up a storm in the kitchen in 2014.
Relive it all in these Sunderland Echo photo memories.
1. Getting technical in 1974
A Thornhill School technology class in 1974. Which skills from these lessons do you still use today? Photo: Bill Hawkins. | Bill Hawkins Photo: Bill Hawkins
2. Musical memories from 1976
300 people were entertained by an Old Tyme Music Hall in Thornhill School in July 1976, and none of the players were pupils. Teaches and parents combined to put on the show. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. A special visitor in 1994
Pupils from Thornhill School got a visit from Charles James - a musician with African group Adzido - in 1994. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Saying hello to a boa
Students Elizabeth Batey, Charlotte Spoors, Chloe Carter and Lewis Nicholson got to meet a boa constrictor which was brought to Thornhill School 20 years ago. | se Photo: TC