Even before the advent of modern education boards, smart classes or online learning, several schools in India had already opened their doors. He saw the colonial rule, the rights of the Indians and the big changes in the way children were educated in the next few centuries. He continued to change but he continued to pursue higher education.Most of these schools were established with humble purposes: to educate orphans, children of soldiers or local residents. They are now known for their education, rich traditions and alumni who have gone on to excel in public life, business, science and the arts.Here are the five oldest schools in India, still with a solid history:
1. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School Chennai (1715)
In 1715, when St George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School was founded, the British Raj was still many years away from reaching India. The school, which was founded as the Madras Male Orphan Asylum, has a history of more than three centuries and is reputed to be India’s oldest continuously functioning school.More than 300 years later, the Chennai school still welcomes batches of new students, continuing a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation.The official website of the school mentions the names of S. Venkataraghavan (cricketer/umpire), Dr. R. Chidambaram (scientist), M. Bakthavatsalam (political leader), and Justice S. Ranganathan as its famous alumni.
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 has been part of Tiruchirappalli’s education for over 260 years. The school, which is run by the Church of South India, has maintained its tradition of excellence while growing with the times.
3. Sanawar, The Lawrence School (1847)
Sanawar, Lawrence School (1847)
Lawrence School, Sanawar, located in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is known as much for its location as for its history. Founded in 1847 by Sir Henry and Honoria Lawrence, it is one of the oldest boarding schools in Asia.Over the years, the school has built a reputation for integrating academics and extracurriculars, sports, leadership programs and architecture, making it one of the most prestigious 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 established in 1859 and has been known as the oldest school for boys in Asia. Located in the Cedar forests of Shimla, it has been a place of learning for many generations of students and is known for its high quality education and overall development.Today, the school attracts students from all over India and abroad, and continues to be one of the top residential schools in the country.Famous people who have studied here include tech mogul Nandan Nilekani, author Ruskin Bond, singer Lucky Ali, scientist Raja Ramanna, and TN chief minister J. Jayalalithaa.
5. Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack (1851)
Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Cuttack (1851)
Ravenshaw Collegiate School Not many schools have made 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 into Ravenshaw University.More than 150 years since it opened its doors, the school continues to be celebrated for its academic excellence and contribution to the formation of generations of students from the region.Its distinguished alumni list includes Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Biju Patnaik, among others.