The Beginning of a Legacy
In 1862, Sir Robert Stanes, an English planter, industrial pioneer, and philanthropist, founded what would become one of India’s most respected educational institutions. Moved by a desire to provide quality education to the children of his employees, he established a small day school in Coimbatore with just four students and two teachers. What began as a humble endeavour soon evolved into a legacy that would shape generations of learners.
Guided by faith, service, and an unwavering belief in the power of education, Sir Robert Stanes not only contributed significantly to the industrial development of Coimbatore but also laid the foundation for an institution dedicated to nurturing character, excellence, and leadership.
In 1914, Robert Stanes was awarded Kaiser-I-Hind medal, and was bestowed with Knighthood in the year 1920.
A Foundation for the Future
The School celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1912, with its Founder marveling at its wonderful growth which he had not envisaged at its inception.
As the number of students grew, the need for the School was to establish a holistic educational system with a strong emphasis on Sports and Games. To achieve this, Sir Robert Stanes bought the present spacious campus on Avinashi Road.
The foundation for the main block was laid on September 23rd 1927, by the Governor General of Madras, the Viscount Goschen of Hawkhurst.
On the big day these were Sir Robert Stanes’ words:
"The unseen foundation of the new building was being laid on the solid ground of God’s Word, the Bible”
The School has ever been noted as an Anglo-Indian Protestant Evangelical School, where the Word of God is read and taught daily.
Sir Robert Stanes slept in the Lord in Coonoor in 1936 and is buried alongside his wife, Harriet Huntingdon Harris (1843–1901), at All Saints Church, Coonoor.
A Legacy of Excellence
The School has continued to grow and evolve, expanding its contribution to education over the decades. It is renowned as being one of the oldest and best Public Schools in the country.
Over the years, the school has been the alma mater of many accomplished individuals who have made their mark in sports, professional life, entrepreneurship and public service.
160 Years and Beyond
- In the year 2012, the school proudly celebrated its Sesquicentennial year, 150 years since its foundation in a grand manner.
- In the year 2022, the school celebrated its Post Centennial Diamond Jubilee, having completed 160 years in the field of education.
- The Cambridge Early Years was introduced for the Nursery school in the year 2024 with Affiliation No IA 602 from Cambridge International Education.
Stanes proudly continues its goal of producing dedicated, good citizens of India, ever keeping in mind its motto and masthead :
“Excelsa Sequar” (Aim for the Highest)
“To God be the Glory.”