The school was established in 1832 as Rangpur Zamindar School, by the local Zaminders or landlords. Nathial Smith, the district collector working for the British East India Company led government, also had a central role. The school was inaugurated by Lord William Bentinck, the erstwhile Governor General of Bengal. The Maharaja of Cooch Bihar donated funds for construction of the school building. Krishna Nath Ray joined as the first headmaster of the school.The school was taken under the management of the Government of India in 1857. It was affiliated with the Calcutta University. In 1862, it was renamed to Rangpur Zilla School.The school building and other facilities were expanded between 1870 and 1874.The school is known for the quality of education. For example, in 2004, it was 2nd among the top 10 schools in the Rajshahi Education Board in terms of results of the Secondary School Certificate Examination.[2]Since its establishment, Rangpur Zilla School has produced a lot of scientists, writers, University teachers, high officials and et al. A renowned atomic scientist recently late Dr. Wazed Miah, husband of honorable present Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, was the student of Rangpur Zilla School.