Even before modern education boards, smart classrooms or online learning came into the picture, a few schools in India had already opened their doors. They saw colonial rule, Indian Independence and the dramatic changes in the way children learned over the next few centuries. They went on changing and yet they maintained the hightest standards of education.The majority of these schools had been founded with humble goals: to educate orphans, the children of military personnel or local residents. They are now known for their academic standards, rich traditions and alumni who have gone on to make their mark in public life, business, science and the arts.Here’s a look at five of India’s oldest schools, still enjoying an enduring reputation:
1. St. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School , Chennai (1715)
In 1715, when the St George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School was set up, the British Raj was still many years away from emerging in India. The institution, founded as the Madras Male Orphan Asylum, has over three centuries of history and is widely considered India’s oldest continuously functioning school.More than 300 years later, the Chennai school still gets batches of new students, continuing traditions that have been passed down through generations.The school’s hall-of-fame page mention names S. Venkataraghavan (cricketer/umpire), Dr. R. Chidambaram (scientist), M. Bakthavatsalam (political leader), and Justice S. Ranganathan as its famous alumnis.
2. St. John’s Vestry Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Tiruchirapalli (1763)
St. John’s Vestry Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, Tiruchirapalli (1763)
St. John’s Vestry Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School is a part of the educational fabric of Tiruchirappalli for over 260 years. The school, managed by the Church of South India, has maintained its tradition of quality education while evolving with the times.
3. Sanawar, The Lawrence School (1847)
Sanawar, The Lawrence School (1847)
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, nestled in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is known as much for its location as its history. Established in 1847 by Sir Henry and Honoria Lawrence, it is one of the oldest boarding schools in Asia.Over the decades, the school has built a reputation for blending academics with outdoor education, sports, leadership programmes and character building, making it one of the most respected residential schools in India.Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Maneka Gandhi, Omar Abdullah and Vir Das are some of the most famous alumnis.
4. Bishop Cotton School , Shimla (1859)
Bishop Cotton, Shimla
Bishop Cotton was founded in 1859 and has long been recognised as the oldest boys’ boarding school in Asia. Located in the Cedar forests of Shimla, it has been the alma mater of generations of students and is known for its academic excellence and holistic development.Today, the school draws students from all over India and abroad, and continues to be one of the country’s top residential schools.Famous figures who have studied from here include tech mogul Nandan Nilekani, author Ruskin Bond, musician Lucky Ali, scientist Raja Ramanna, and former TN Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
5. Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack (1851)
Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack (1851)
Ravenshaw Collegiate School Not many schools have made such an indelible mark in the educational history of Odisha. The institution was founded in 1868 and later played an important role in the establishment of Ravenshaw College which has now grown to be Ravenshaw University.More than 150 years since it first opened its doors, the school continues to be celebrated for its academic legacy and contribution to shaping generations of students from the region.Its illustrious list of alumni include Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik, among others.