Convent of Jesus and Mary School, Ambala

A Century of Educational Excellence

The Congregation of Jesus and Mary was founded in 1818 at Lyons, France, by Claudine Thevenet (Mother St. Ignatius). In the aftermath of the French Revolution, countless children were left orphaned and destitute. Moved by compassion, Claudine Thevenet established the Congregation to serve and educate these vulnerable children. What began as a humble initiative has today spread across 26 countries worldwide.

The Congregation came to India in 1842 and has since established numerous English and vernacular medium schools, degree colleges, teacher training centres, and boarding institutions across urban and rural regions.

Establishment at Ambala

In 1908, Mother St. Luice, then Provincial Superior of the Congregation, purchased property at Ambala to serve as a rest house and winter residence for elderly and ailing sisters from Shimla. At the request of Fr. Julius, Vicar General to Archbishop Gentili, the Sisters opened the Convent of Jesus and Mary School on 2 December 1909 in a small cottage at 121, Staff Road, Ambala Cantt.

The school began modestly with just one pupil—the son of an Army officer. Over time, it grew steadily and today serves around 1,400 students from diverse social, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

Growth and Transformation

Initially established as a girls’ school, boys were later admitted up to Class V, while girls studied up to Matriculation. During the 1971 Indo-Pak conflict, many soldiers moved to the war front, leaving their wards behind. On compassionate grounds, the school authorities permitted boys to continue up to Matriculation. However, since April 2007, the institution has once again functioned exclusively as a girls’ school.

In 1979, the school achieved outstanding results in its first Board examination, earning recognition from the Central Board of Secondary Education, which graded it as the “Best in All-India.”

Holistic Education and Values

For over a century, the Convent of Jesus & Mary, Ambala, has evolved with the changing demands of modern education while remaining rooted in its founding values. Alongside academic excellence, the school actively promotes co-curricular activities, sports, and the development of social, ethical, and spiritual values.

Guided by the vision of Claudine Thevenet, the institution nurtures a family spirit founded on love, forgiveness, compassion, and trust. With updated curricula, modern teaching facilities, dedicated faculty, and continuous self-evaluation, the school has made remarkable contributions to the field of education.

Centenary Celebration and Commemoration

Celebrating its Centenary Year with pride and gratitude, the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala Cantt, rededicates itself to the service of humanity and the empowerment of young minds.

To mark this significant milestone and honour its enduring contribution to education, India Post has issued a commemorative postage stamp on the Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala Cantt.