Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, established on July 28, 1859, by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, is one of the oldest boys' boarding schools in Asia. (en.wikipedia.org) Located in the picturesque Shimla Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India, the school has a rich heritage and a commitment to providing quality education to boys aged 8 to 18.
History
Bishop Cotton School was founded by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, a scholar from Westminster School and a graduate of Cambridge University. In 1836, Cotton began teaching at Rugby School under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Arnold. As Bishop of Calcutta, he envisioned a public school in the hill stations of India. On July 28, 1859, he conducted a service for the foundation of such a school in Shimla. The school opened its doors to students on March 15, 1863, at Jutogh, Shimla. In 1868, the school moved to its current location in Knollswood, Shimla. (en.wikipedia.org)
Academic Programs
Bishop Cotton School offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines traditional values with modern educational practices. The school is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), offering the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) examinations. In 2023, the school was accredited as a Cambridge International School, introducing the IGCSE curriculum for Classes 9 and upwards, providing students with international opportunities through GCSEs and A-Level exams. (bishopcottonshimla.com)
Achievements
The school has a history of academic excellence, with recent results showcasing high achievers. In the Class 12 Science stream, toppers scored 98%, and in Class 10, the top scorer achieved 97%. These results reflect the school's commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. (bishopcottonshimla.com)
Infrastructure
The 35-acre campus of Bishop Cotton School is set amidst the serene Shimla Hills, providing a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. The campus includes:
- Main School Building: Houses classrooms, laboratories, and administrative offices.
- Dormitories: Separate accommodations for junior and senior students, ensuring a comfortable living experience.
- Chapel: A central place for daily assemblies and spiritual activities.
- Sports Facilities: Grounds for cricket, football, and indoor games like squash and badminton.
- Laboratories: Well-equipped science labs to support practical learning.
Faculty
The school boasts a dedicated and experienced faculty committed to nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of each student. The teaching staff is accessible and provides personalized attention, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to excel academically and personally. (bishopcottonshimla.com)
Admission Process
Admissions at Bishop Cotton School are open for Classes 4 and upwards. The school conducts entrance exams at various centers, including Shimla and Delhi, with additional centers in Kolkata, Mumbai, and Kathmandu upon demand. The next entrance test dates are:
- Shimla: Saturday, 27th September 2025
- Delhi: Saturday, 4th October 2025
Prospective students are required to complete a written English composition and a mathematics test. Each applicant undergoes an individual interview to assess their aspirations and suitability for the school's environment. Parents are also encouraged to meet with the Director, Mr. Simon D. Weale, for a brief discussion. (bishopcottonshimla.com)
Facilities
- Library: A well-stocked library with a vast collection of books to foster a love for reading.
- Computer Lab: Equipped with modern computers to support digital learning.
- Sports Grounds: Facilities for cricket, football, and indoor games like squash and badminton.
- Science Laboratories: Well-equipped labs for physics, chemistry, and biology to support practical learning.
- Smart Classrooms: Modern classrooms equipped with digital tools to enhance the learning experience.
Board
The school is affiliated with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), offering the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and the Indian School Certificate (ISC) examinations. In 2023, the school was accredited as a Cambridge International School, introducing the IGCSE curriculum for Classes 9 and upwards. (bishopcottonshimla.com)
Grades
Bishop Cotton School offers education from Class 4 to Class 12, providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares students for higher education and life beyond school.
Website
For more information, visit the official website: https://bishopcottonshimla.com/
For admissions inquiries, contact: [email protected]
Fees
Specific fee details are not publicly disclosed. Prospective parents are encouraged to contact the admissions office for detailed fee structures.
Established
The school was established on July 28, 1859, by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton.
Medium
The primary medium of instruction is English, with Hindi taught as a second language.
Type
Bishop Cotton School is a private, boys-only boarding school.
Notable Alumni
The school has a distinguished list of alumni, known as Old Cottonians, who have excelled in various fields:
- Ruskin Bond: Renowned author.
- General Akhtar Abdur Rahman: Military governor of Baluchistan and head of Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan.
- A. S. Dulat: Former R&AW chief and director of the Intelligence Bureau.
- Sir Palden Thondup Namgyal: 12th and the last king of the Kingdom of Sikkim.
- Jigme Palden Dorji: 1st Prime Minister of Bhutan.
- David Sadleir: Former Australian diplomat and 9th Director-General of Security, Australia.
- William Kirkpatrick: MP for Preston (Conservative), 1931.
- Major Roy Farran: DSO, MC with Two Bars, served with 3rd Squadron, 2 SAS.
- Melville de Mellow: Padma Shri, Prix Italia, broadcaster.
These individuals exemplify the school's commitment to producing leaders who contribute positively to society.
In conclusion, Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, stands as a beacon of educational excellence, blending a rich heritage with modern educational practices to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Its commitment to holistic development, academic excellence, and character building makes it a premier institution for boys in India and beyond.