Bishop’s College: Celebrating More Than 150 Years of Education, Service and Tradition

Located in Boyd Place, Colombo 03, Bishop’s College is one of Sri Lanka’s long-established private Anglican schools for girls, with a history spanning more than 150 years.

The school traces its origins to 1857, when Bishopsgate School was established through the efforts of then Bishop of Colombo James Chapman and his wife, Frances. Following its reopening in 1875, the institution continued to grow before moving to its present location on Boyd Place in 1892, when it adopted the name Bishop’s College.

Over the decades, the school has built its educational philosophy around academic excellence, service, responsibility and character development. Its motto, “Non Sibi Sed Omnibus – Not for Self but for All,” continues to reflect the values instilled in generations of students.

Education at Bishop’s College extends beyond the classroom, with students encouraged to participate in sports, societies and aesthetic activities while developing leadership skills and personal confidence. The school has also embraced modern, student-centred approaches to education. As part of its 150th anniversary initiatives in 2025, subjects including Sign Language and Comparative Religious Studies were introduced, broadening the educational experience.

Sport remains an important part of school life, with students participating in water polo, swimming, tennis, cricket, badminton, basketball and hockey. Among the school’s recent achievements was winning the overall girls’ championship at the 2025 Inter School Tennis Championship.

Today, Bishop’s College continues to balance its rich heritage with the changing demands of modern education. Under the leadership of Principal Mrs. Chemali Goonetileke Herath, the school remains committed to nurturing students through a combination of tradition, diversity, knowledge and contemporary learning.

For generations, Bishop’s College has sought to develop young women who are not only academically capable, but also responsible, compassionate and prepared to serve society — a mission captured in its enduring motto: “Not for Self but for All.”