Long before formal education for girls became a social reform movement in India, St. Thomas’ School for Girls in Kidderpore, Kolkata, was already quietly scripting history. Established in 1789, it stands as one of the oldest girls’ schools in India, predating even the widely recognized Bethune School by six decades.
Founded by British Anglican missionaries during the East India Company era, the school was initially set up to educate European and Anglo-Indian girls, offering instruction in English, scripture, manners, and basic academics—at a time when female literacy was neither common nor encouraged.
St. Thomas’ became a symbol of early female education in colonial India. Though initially focused on a limited demographic, it laid the foundation for the broader movement for girls’ education that gained momentum in the 19th century.
- Established: 1789
- Location: Kidderpore, Kolkata
- Initial Focus: European and Anglo-Indian girls
- Affiliation: Church of North India (CNI)
- Current Status: Continues to function as a prestigious English-medium girls’ school
“It’s not just a school, it’s a living chapter of India’s educational history,” said a school alumna reflecting on the institution’s enduring presence.
Today, St. Thomas’ School for Girls blends its rich colonial legacy with modern academic standards, nurturing students from diverse backgrounds and upholding values of discipline, excellence, and empowerment.
As India continues to celebrate its education milestones, St. Thomas’ School stands as a proud reminder that the journey of girls’ education began long before it became a nationwide mission.
