Even before modern education boards, smart classrooms or online learning came on the scene, some schools in India had already opened their doors. They saw colonial rule, Indian independence and the dramatic changes in the way children learned in the following centuries. They were changing and yet they maintained the highest educational standards.Most of these schools had been founded with humble goals: to educate orphans, children of military personnel or local residents. They are now known for their academic standards, rich traditions and alumni who have made their mark in public life, business, science and the arts.Here’s a look at five of India’s oldest schools, which still enjoy an enduring reputation:
1. St. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School Chennai (1715)
In 1715, when St. George’s Anglo-Indian High School was established, the British Raj was still many years away from emerging in India. The institution, founded as the Madras Male Orphan Asylum, has more than three centuries of history and is widely considered to be the oldest continuously functioning school in India.More than 300 years later, the Chennai school still welcomes batches of new students, continuing the traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.The school’s hall of fame page mentions S. Venkataraghavan (cricketer/umpire), Dr. R. Chidambaram (scientist), M. Bakthavatsalam (political leader) and Justice S. Ranganathan as famous alumni.
2. Anglo-Indian Secondary School of St. John’s Vestry, Tiruchirapalli (1763)
Anglo-Indian High School of St. John’s Vestry, Tiruchirapalli (1763)
The Anglo-Indian High School of St. John’s Vestry has been part of the educational fabric of Tiruchirappalli for over 260 years. The school, run 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)
Nestled in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, Lawrence School, Sanawar is known for its location as much as its history. Founded 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 combining academics with outdoor education, sports, leadership programs 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 alumni.
4. Bishop Cotton School Shimla (1859)
Bishop Cotton, Shimla
Bishop Cotton was founded in 1859 and has long been recognized 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 attracts students from all over India and abroad, and remains one of the best residential schools in the country.Famous figures who have studied from here include technology tycoon Nandan Nilekani, author Ruskin Bond, musician Lucky Ali, scientist Raja Ramanna and former Chief Minister TN J. Jayalalithaa.
5. Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack (1851)
Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack (1851)
Ravenshaw Collegiate School Not many schools have left such an indelible mark on 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 become Ravenshaw University.More than 150 years since it opened its doors, the school continues to be celebrated for its academic legacy and contribution to the education of generations of students in the region.Its illustrious list of alumni includes Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik among others.