This school was founded on February 7, 1965 under the name Sekolah Menengah Rendah Kebangsaan Parit Raja. At the beginning this school was located in the Malaysian English School building located in Jalan Mohamad, Parit Raja which was lent by Tuan Hj. Muhammad bin Hj. Nawawi who at that time served as Penghulu Mukim 8, Batu Pahat. This school is led by Encik Pitdin bin Norit as Supervisor with the help of several teachers. On 27 August 1968 this school was renamed to Tun Ismail Middle School to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Tun Dr. Ismail bin Dato' Abdul Rahman.