Calcutta Girls High School

Calcutta Girls’ High School, located in Kolkata, is one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions for girls in India. Established in 1856, the school has played a significant role in promoting girls’ education and social development for more than a century and a half.

Establishment and Early Years

The school was founded in 1856 by Charles Canning (Lord Canning) as a boarding school for English-speaking girls. In its early years, the institution grew steadily under the leadership of dedicated American missionary educators.

Among the prominent early heads of the school were:

• M. E. Layton
• Emma Knowles
• Irma Collins

These educationists played an important role in shaping the institution during its formative period.

Later, this tradition of leadership was continued by Indian principals, beginning with Smriti Das, who took charge of the school in June 1961.

Academic Development

By the late nineteenth century, the school had already gained a strong reputation for academic excellence. In 1911, it sent its first batch of 15 students for the Senior Cambridge Examination. From that time onward, the institution became widely known as the Calcutta Girls’ High School.

Social Initiatives and Community Service

Apart from academic achievements, the school has also been committed to educating underprivileged children.

In 1973, it established Indira Pathshala, a night school for poor and needy children in the locality. Students of the Pathshala receive vocational training in skills such as knitting and sewing, and their handwork has been widely appreciated. In 2004, the Pathshala presented its first batch of five students for the 10th Board Examination.

The school has also extended its support to Nihata Mission School, a primary school located in Chandipur, about 30 kilometres from Kolkata. This initiative further reflects the institution’s commitment to spreading education in rural areas.

Legacy and Future Vision

Over its 150-year history, Calcutta Girls’ High School has grown from a small boarding school into one of the leading institutions for girls’ education in India. The institution continues to expand its educational mission and is planning to establish a women’s college to provide opportunities for higher studies.

Commemoration

In recognition of its outstanding contribution to the education of the girl child in India, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp honouring Calcutta Girls’ High School and its remarkable legacy in the field of education.