It was the proposal of the saintly Metropolitan of Calcutta, Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, to create quality schools in India that resulted in the founding of Bishop Cotton’s on April 19, 1865. The institution was opened for both boys and girls in a sprawling bungalow named Westward Ho in High Grounds and went through many highs and lows till 1870. In 1871, the management acquired 14 acres of land on St. Mark’s Road and shifted the school, demarcating two different areas, one for the boys’ school and the other for the girls’ with a wall separating the two.
In 1911, the management acquired Stafford House and its surrounding eight and a half acres with access to both Residency Road and St. Mark’s Road and shifted the school, giving Bishop Cotton Girls’ School an identity of its own. In 1915, money was sanctioned to construct the beautiful administration block and the now famous Quad. More buildings were constructed in the 50s and 60s including the Chapel of the Holy Family. The first Indian Principal to take charge of the grand legacy of the School was Mrs. CA (Acca) Joseph in July 1963. The school has grown from strength to strength since then, with successive principals contributing to the improvement of infrastructure and overall academic excellence of the school. The mission to provide the best all-round education for girls continues in the new millennium.
Building for the Future
During the last few years, the school has upgraded its infrastructure, constructing new buildings with spacious and well-ventilated classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, a multimedia center with networked computers and educational software, an indoor swimming pool and a well-stocked library with plenty of reading room. In the course of the next few years more building will be constructed and the facilities continuously upgraded to keep pace with the quantum leaps in education.
The Sesquicentennial Building Block (2019)
The Centenary Building Block (1965)
Principals over the Years
Dr. Mrs. Lavanya Mithran M.Sc. B.Ed. Ph.D
Dr. Mrs. Mithran emerged as the School topper in her Class X examinations. She pursued B.Sc and thereafter M.Sc and was the University topper in both. She was also the recipient of a Gold Medal for M.Sc. On completion of her M.Sc. she had the unique privilege of teaching post graduate students.
Mrs. Lydia Joshua: M.A, B.Ed
The turning point in the year 2010 was the change in leadership. Mrs. Lydia Joshua took over the reins of Bishop Cotton Girls’ School on 21st May, 2010. Mrs. Joshua showed the determination and grit as her namesake, the leader Joshua who he led the Israelites into the Promised land.
Mrs. Princess Franklyn M.A, B.Ed, M. Phil
Mrs. Princess Franklyn took over as Principal in June 2005. It was during her tenure that the Resource Centre was inaugurated for the staff to equip them with the latest in technology. it is equipped with 17 computers and an overhead projector. The Lyceum software was installed with the help of Intel, Microsoft & Pacsoft. Through the program, the school had e-governance, a connected community of teachers, parents, students and it gave an edge to our administration as well.
Mrs. Stella Samuel M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D
Mrs.Stella Samuel, a member of the Teaching Faculty since 1974, took over as Principal in June 1999. The Adminstrative block was renovated, which is a wonderful blend of the old structure and and ultra-modern interiors, including a board room. The new ISC block took shape under her guidance. An efficient School transport system in collaboration with BMTC was introduced. To keep pace with the progressive world, Internet, Intranet, Fax, Email have been installed.
Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph M.A., B.Ed
Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph, a member of the Teaching Faculty from 1971, took over as Principal in September 1988. Several structural extensions and additions were made during this period. The School Auditorium was renovated, the mezzanine floor and stage built with co-ordinating interiors and the lighting system. The Hostel side of the campus acquired a multi-purpose Dining Hall with the Staff Quarters built above it.
Mrs. G. Clarke
Mrs.G.Clarke initiated the introduction of two new Houses – Elmes and Waller – to the existing Barton, Foley and Maiden Houses, as the number of Students had increased. The pale green tunics changed to dark green. In keeping with the times, Computer studies were introduced. The strength of the School went from 700 to 3000. Six additional classrooms were built and the shift system was introduced. The work on the Auditorium was completed and a new Dining Hall for the Boarders was planned. The Bishop Cotton Women’s’ Christian College was started in 1985, the first of its kind in the Diocese.
Mrs. V.M. Chandran
Mrs.V.M.Chandran, a member of the Teaching Faculty from 1959, took over as Principal in 1973. Her outstanding achievement was the construction of the School Auditorium, the best of its kind in the city. Although she did not stay to witness its completion, it was her enthusiasm and hard work that made it possible. The Parents’ Block was inaugurated during this period. Mrs. Chandran’s affection for the children and sympathetic understanding of the Staff and Parents endeared her to one and all.
Miss Grace Samuel
Miss Grace Samuel came to Cotton’s after nine years in the U.S.A. A warm and gentle person, her primary concern was to help the students to achieve academic excellence. She introduced audio-visual aids and urged the teachers to improve their approach through self-evaluation and adoption of fresh methods of teaching.
Mrs. Acca Joseph
Mrs. Acca Joseph took over as the first Indian Principal in 1963. Her able administration helped this School to establish itself strongly as a self sufficient unit. The Centenary Year was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Distinguished personalities like Mr. V.V. Giri and Mrs. Indira Gandhi visited the School. The School Library was inaugurated and the New Boarding Block was built. Indian Culture was intricately woven into the fabric of the education system. A strict disciplinarian herself, she demanded high standards from her Staff and Students.
Miss C.M. Millington
Miss C.M.Millington had been on the Teaching Faculty of the school before she took over as Principal. The Raman Science Block and the Chapel of the Holy Family were constructed during this time. The Examination system changed over from the Cambridge Certificate to the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC).
Miss C.B. Schiff
Miss C.B.Schiff strengthened the involvement of parents and encouraged cultural activities, especially Music and Art. The building of the Art Room and the extension of the Staff Room were accomplished during her tenure.
Mrs. C.M. Gaughan
Mrs. C. M. Gaughan steered the School through this turbulent period with her calm, wise and courageous leadership.
Miss M.E. Hardy
Miss M.E.Hardy, a good sports woman and disciplinarian, came to Cottons after years of service as a missionary in Burma. The Church of South India (CSI) came into existence during this period.
Miss R.M. Waller
Miss R.M. Waller is remembered for her intellectual and administrative talents. During her tenure she served the school faithfully and set it on firm ground.
Miss F Elmes
Miss F Elmes (1913 – 1934) was the first Principal of the Bishop Cotton Girls’ School. She expanded the building adjoining Stafford House.