First School in India: A Comprehensive Guide to India’s Oldest Schools

India has long been a center for global civilization and intellectual growth, boasting one of history’s most organized educational systems. The first school in India, St. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School, remains a landmark in Chennai's Shenoy Nagar district. Established in 1715 as the Military Male Orphan Asylum, it is not only the country’s oldest school but also a significant relic of educational history. Explore our list of the top 10 oldest schools in India below.

First School of India

Widely regarded as the first school in India, St. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School is situated in the heart of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Operating as a charitable trust, the institution is committed to providing quality education to students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, fostering equal opportunities for growth. Its collaborative teaching approach, balancing rigorous academics with extensive extracurricular activities, continues to set a benchmark for excellence in modern education.

First school in India

St. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai is officially recognized as the oldest school in India, dating back to 1715. While ancient India was home to world-renowned universities like Takshila and Nalanda, which attracted scholars globally, many of these centers were lost to historical invasions. During the British Raj, while the traditional Indian education system faced immense challenges, the British administration introduced new frameworks that led to the establishment of several iconic schools that continue to thrive today.

First school of India – St Gerge’s Anglo

With over 300 years of history, St. George’s Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School has been a cornerstone of academic development. Spanning a 21-acre campus, the school features iconic red-brick architecture, including boarding facilities, dormitories, and expansive play areas. Affiliated with the Anglo-Indian Board of Secondary Education, the school currently supports over 1,500 students from nursery through class 12th.

2nd Oldest school in India

The Bishop Heber Higher Secondary School in Tamil Nadu is recognized as the second-oldest school in India. Founded in 1762 by a German missionary with the support of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge (S.P.C.K), the institution was originally known as the Heber Memorial School before evolving into the present-day Bishop Heber College in the 1920s.

First Schools in India By British Top 10 List

For centuries, India has stood as a significant hub for education, producing institutions that have withstood the test of time. Many of the oldest schools in India, particularly those in Tamil Nadu and Kolkata, perfectly blend historical legacy with modern academic standards. These institutions predate India’s independence and continue to serve as pillars of community and learning. Explore our detailed guide on the top 10 oldest schools in India to learn more.

The first school in India-Top 10 schools
School Name	Location	Year of Establishment
The first school of India – St George’s Anglo	Chennai	1715
Bishop Heber Higher Secondary School	Trichy, TamilNadu	1762
St.Johns Vestry Anglo Indian School,	Trichy, TamilNadu	1763
St. Thomas’ School	Kolkata, West Bengal	1789
Hooghly Collegiate School	West Bengal.	1812
Christ Church School	Mumbai	1815
Hindu School	Kolkata, West Bengal	1817
Hare School	Kolkata, West Bengal	1818
St. Paul’s School	Darjeeling West Bengal.
International French School	Pondicherry	1826