It is one of the oldest boarding schools for boys in Asia,[1] having been founded on 28 July 1859 by Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton.

[4] Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton was a scholar of Westminster, and a graduate of Cambridge University.

Bishop Cotton reconnoitred ten sites in September and October 1864, and finally approved the South end of Knollswood Spur which belonged to the Rajah of Keonthal.

Bishop Cotton was inspired by the phrase, "Overcome Evil With Good" from Romans 12:21.

The four houses are named after people who provided financial help to the school after The Great Fire of 1905.

Every boy goes on for tertiary education at the end of year XII, and the success rate for the board examination is usually 100%.

Facing the main school building are Rivaz, Ibbetson and Lefroy dormitory houses.

Between Lefroy and the War Memorial is an arched hedge that leads past a tiny rose garden to the Headmaster's Lodge and the Lady Willingdon Swimming Bath.

Sports facilities include the Bawa Squash Courts and Shankar Hall for indoor badminton.