Launceston College began as Launceston State High School in 1913 and has occupied the present site since 1916. The site was formally the Launceston Gaol, which opened in 1827.
It was the only state high school in the north for 50 years.
It changed to Launceston Matriculation College (1967–1979) then to Launceston Community College (1980–1986) and since 1987 has been known as Launceston College.