By the end of the 19th century, the school had gained a reputation for producing students who would go on to study at military colleges in the United Kingdom including Woolwich and Sandhurst or take up direct appointments in the military, naval and civil service of the armed forces.
At a time where the British Empire was at its height, this reputation came as no surprise with many students' parents being former officers and colonial administrators and with there being a strong military influence in the island at the time.
Within the first twenty-five years of the institution of the Victoria Cross in 1856, three Old Victorians were awarded the honour for their services, with two further alumni receiving the award for their service during World War I.
In early 1940 the school remained largely unaffected by the outbreak of war in Europe, and although many young Jerseymen had left the island to join the war effort, several English parents had sent their sons to board at the school, believing the Channel Islands to be the safest place in the British Isles.
However, developments in the war throughout May that year and the eventual collapse of French resistance meant it became clear the island was in danger.
The Channel Islands were demilitarised in the belief that this would best protect the lives of the islanders, meaning many feared the imminent occupation of the islands by German forces.
While many other schools in Jersey left evacuation decisions in the hands of parents, Victoria College decided to evacuate some boys and their masters to the UK where they stayed for the remainder of World War II attending English public schools including Shrewsbury School and Bedford School.
However, around 130 boys and several masters remained in Jersey, and the school continued to operate during the occupation.

Early on during the occupation, the German forces commandeered College House building for the Reich Labour Service, but otherwise did not significantly disrupt the normal routine of the school for much of 1941.
However, in September that year, German forces took possession of the remaining school buildings, forcing the students and masters to relocate to Halkett Place school.
Around a year later, another blow was dealt to the school as several English-born masters and staff were deported to Germany, though substitutes were found and the school remained open.
Soon thereafter, however, in October 1942 the German forces returned the buildings to the school.
Only minimal damage had been done to the buildings, with the hall windows partially painted black, and by 1943 the school had restored the building to its original state.
Life in Jersey became increasingly worse for the remainder of the occupation, as there was no gas nor electricity and food supplies were increasingly scarce.
As a result, afternoon schooling was discontinued, homework not issued, and sports were only played on a small scale.
British food-parcels arrived early in 1945, relieving some of the hardship suffered by islanders, and eventually on 8 May 1945 the headmaster relayed news of Victory in Europe and all 175 boys were dismissed to join the celebrations.
By the end of the 19th century, the school had gained a reputation for producing students who would go on to study at military colleges in the United Kingdom including Woolwich and Sandhurst or take up direct appointments in the military, naval and civil service of the armed forces. At a time where the British Empire was at its height, this reputation came as no surprise with many students' parents being former officers and colonial administrators and with there being a strong military influence in the island at the time. Within the first twenty-five years of the institution of the Victoria Cross in 1856, three Old Victorians were awarded the honour for their services, with two further alumni receiving the award for their service during World War I.
In early 1940 the school remained largely unaffected by the outbreak of war in Europe, and although many young Jerseymen had left the island to join the war effort, several English parents had sent their sons to board at the school, believing the Channel Islands to be the safest place in the British Isles. However, developments in the war throughout May that year and the eventual collapse of French resistance meant it became clear the island was in danger. The Channel Islands were demilitarised in the belief that this would best protect the lives of the islanders, meaning many feared the imminent occupation of the islands by German forces. While many other schools in Jersey left evacuation decisions in the hands of parents, Victoria College decided to evacuate some boys and their masters to the UK where they stayed for the remainder of World War II attending English public schools including Shrewsbury School and Bedford School. However, around 130 boys and several masters remained in Jersey, and the school continued to operate during the occupation. 
Early on during the occupation, the German forces commandeered College House building for the Reich Labour Service, but otherwise did not significantly disrupt the normal routine of the school for much of 1941. However, in September that year, German forces took possession of the remaining school buildings, forcing the students and masters to relocate to Halkett Place school. Around a year later, another blow was dealt to the school as several English-born masters and staff were deported to Germany, though substitutes were found and the school remained open. Soon thereafter, however, in October 1942 the German forces returned the buildings to the school. Only minimal damage had been done to the buildings, with the hall windows partially painted black, and by 1943 the school had restored the building to its original state. Life in Jersey became increasingly worse for the remainder of the occupation, as there was no gas nor electricity and food supplies were increasingly scarce. As a result, afternoon schooling was discontinued, homework not issued, and sports were only played on a small scale. British food-parcels arrived early in 1945, relieving some of the hardship suffered by islanders, and eventually on 8 May 1945 the headmaster relayed news of Victory in Europe and all 175 boys were dismissed to join the celebrations.
Victoria College, Jersey