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Bishop Cotton School Shimla

India, Shimla

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₹780,000 - 1,280,000
Ages Not listed
Type Boys School (boarding)
Opened 1859
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Indian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Hindi, French
Typical class size 20
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Middle School, Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, founded in 1859, is the oldest boys' boarding school in Asia. Located on Bishop Cotton School Road, Shimla, it offers a curriculum that includes Indian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, and Cambridge A Levels. The school is affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education and CISCE. Its educational framework is delivered through five pillars: Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme, Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme, Grindlays Games Programme, Parigyal Outward Bound Programme, and Sapan Walia Outreach Programme, integrating academics, co-curriculars, sports, outdoor learning, and community engagement. The Main School Building (est. 1863), Irwin Hall (1930), War Memorial (1921), Holy Trinity Chapel (1871), and the School Infirmary are facilities. Holy Trinity Chapel Library houses over 50,000 volumes. Notable activities include Debates & Public Speaking (National Champions 2023), Model United Nations, Quizzing & Trivia, Dramatics & Theatre, Dance & Movement, Western Music, and Creative Writing. Alumni exceed 4,000 in 120+ countries via the Old Cottonians Network.

Bishop Cotton School, Bishop Cotton School Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002, India

The Essentials

Bishop Cotton School Shimla has typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171002, India. The school is located on Bishop Cotton School Road in Shimla.

Stages
Prep School (Classes 4–8); Senior School (Classes 9–12).

Type
Boys' boarding school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
45+ countries represented.

Country affiliation
India
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The four boarding houses—Curzon, Ibbetson, Lefroy and Rivaz—accommodate 75–100 students each on a campus with a total boarding capacity of 350. House masters and resident tutors live in the houses, providing 24/7 pastoral care and academic support. House parents (mothers and wardens) live on site with their teams, and a 24/7 medical team and on-site infirmary support student health and wellbeing.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required. Students receive an up-to-date list of items to bring and what to obtain from school outfits. Uniforms/outfits are supplied by designated outfitters: Public Choice, Mother Choice, and Fashioners.

Food Options
Dining Hall seats 400 and serves four meals per day, with evening snacks. The menu rotates on a three-week cycle and accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary requirements.

House System
There are four boarding houses—Curzon, Ibbetson, Lefroy and Rivaz. Each house accommodates 75–100 students; juniors typically share rooms with 3–4 housemates, while seniors may have single or double occupancy. Housemasters and resident tutors live on site to provide 24/7 pastoral care and academic support.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors that provides strategic oversight, policy governance, and long-term direction; the Headmaster serves as Ex-Officio Secretary of the Board.
Fees

Annual tuition at Bishop Cotton School Shimla ranges from INR 780,000 to INR 1,280,000 for 2026/27.

Application / Admission fee
- Admission fee (Indian students): INR 65,000.
- Admission fee (NRI students): INR 100,000.

Security / Caution deposit
- Caution money (refundable): INR 300,000.
- INR 25,000 of the caution money will be deducted towards the OCA Lifelong Membership fee; the balance (INR 275,000) is refundable on leaving the school.

Imprest / Personal advance
- Imprest account (advance against personal billing): INR 100,000 to be deposited on joining.

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and new-admission term breakdowns)
- Class 4–6: Tuition (annual) INR 780,000.
- New-admission payment on joining (first-term package = Admission + Caution + Imprest + 1st installment): INR 945,000.
- Second installment (term 2) due: INR 300,000 (payable by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new admission at joining (first + second installments + deposits): INR 1,245,000.

- Class 7–10: Tuition (annual) INR 860,000.
- New-admission first-term package (Admission + Caution + Imprest + 1st installment): INR 1,025,000.
- Second installment (term 2) due: INR 300,000 (payable by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new admission at joining: INR 1,325,000.

- Class 11–12: Tuition (annual) INR 920,000.
- New-admission first-term package (Admission + Caution + Imprest + 1st installment): INR 1,085,000.
- Second installment (term 2) due: INR 300,000 (payable by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new admission at joining: INR 1,385,000.

- NRI students (Classes 4–12): Tuition (annual) INR 1,280,000.
- NRI admission fee INR 100,000; caution INR 300,000; imprest INR 100,000.
- First-term tuition component for new NRI admissions: INR 980,000; second term: INR 300,000 (due by 31/07/2026).
- Total payable for a new NRI admission at joining: INR 1,780,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard instruction: school fees are payable in two installments.
- For new admissions the initial payment (first-term package) includes the admission fee, caution money, imprest account deposit and the first tuition installment; the second installment is due by 31 July (date shown: 31/07/2026).
- The school fee is subject to revision as per school rules.

Boarding fees
- Boarding-related components are included in the published annual school-fee figures above (the fee schedule presents tuition and boarding together as the annual school fee for the specified class bands).

Other costs / deposits / routine charges
- Pocket-money deposit: INR 10,000 to be deposited in the student's UCO Bank personal account through the House Master/Matron on the day of joining (applicable for the relevant classes as listed).
- OCA Lifelong Membership fee: INR 25,000 (deducted from the caution deposit at the time of admission).
- Imprest account: INR 100,000 (advance against personal billing).

Refund information
- Caution money (after the INR 25,000 OCA deduction) is refundable when the student leaves the school; the refundable balance shown is INR 275,000.
- The fee schedule states that the school fee is subject to revision according to school rules.

Fee concessions / rebates
- Active Defence / Government employee rebate on school fee: 25% for the first child and 15% for the second child (school-fee rebate).

Payment methods and banking details
- Payment method: Bank transfer is the prescribed payment route; an online SBI-Collect option is provided for electronic payments.
- Bank accounts published for fee payments: HDFC Bank (Bishop Cotton School current account) and State Bank of India (Bishop Cotton School current account) with IFSC codes and account numbers; SWIFT codes are provided for international/NRI payments.

Notes on instalment formats for specific cases
- For new admissions the first payment is a combined first-term package (Admission fee + Caution + Imprest + first tuition installment); the second instalment is the remaining tuition instalment and is due by the date specified in the schedule.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Bishop Cotton School Shimla teaches Indian Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels.

Curriculum
The school is affiliated with Cambridge Assessment International Education and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). The curriculum is delivered through five pillars: The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme; The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme; The Grindlays Games Programme; The Parigyal Outward Bound Programme; and The Sapan Walia Outreach Programme. The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme provides a rigorous curriculum that challenges minds and cultivates intellectual curiosity across all disciplines. The Five Pillars are designed to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for leadership, service, and excellence in all endeavors. The approach integrates academics, co-curricular activities, sports, outdoor learning, and community engagement.

Student Teacher Ratio
8:1

Higher Education Progression
98% university placement.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme builds confidence, communication, and character. Debates & Public Speaking, Dramatics & Theatre, Elocution & Oratory, and Dance & Movement cultivate self-expression and teamwork. Western Music and a School Orchestra provide creative outlets and collaborative practice. Quizzing & Trivia, Model United Nations, and Creative Writing & Journalism expand students' perspectives and social interaction. The five pillars structure both academics and cocurricular activities to promote leadership, service, and personal development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Sunetra Halder has a PG Diploma in Guidance & Counselling and a PG Diploma in Special Education.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language & Literature is taught as a core subject and a Second Language is offered at Prep level.

Mental Wellbeing
Housemasters and resident tutors live within the houses, providing 24/7 pastoral care and academic support. The campus includes a Chapel and Rev Dinesh Singh serves as Chaplain. A staff member holds a PG Diploma in Guidance & Counselling and another holds a PG Diploma in Special Education. The School Infirmary is a fully equipped medical facility staffed by qualified healthcare professionals. Parigyal Outward Bound Programme and Sapan Walia Outreach Programme—part of the five pillars—contribute to resilience and personal development.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding Cotton traditions and values is a stated focus of governance on the Board of Governors page. The board oversees policy governance and safeguarding as part of its remit. The School Infirmary on campus provides medical care to support student safety.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1859, Bishop Cotton School, Shimla is the oldest boys' boarding school in Asia. The motto is Overcome Evil with Good. The five pillars of its educational philosophy are The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme, The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme, The Grindlays Games Programme, The Parigyal Outward Bound Programme, and The Sapan Walia Outreach Programme. The campus features landmark buildings such as the Main School Building (est. 1863), Irwin Hall (est. 1930), War Memorial (est. 1921), The Holy Trinity Chapel (est. 1871), and the School Infirmary (est. 1975). Alumni numbering over 4,000 span 120+ countries and the Old Cottonians Network connects them with current students.

Community
A campus of history and heritage with landmark buildings that tell a story of generations of excellence. The Holy Trinity Chapel houses a library with over 50,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts. The War Memorial honors 247 Old Cottonians who gave their lives during the Second World War. The Old Cottonians Network connects more than 4,000 alumni across 120+ countries, spanning 500+ industries and featuring 200+ CEOs and founders.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Oldest Boys' Boarding School in Asia. The campus features landmark buildings including the Main School Building, Irwin Hall, War Memorial, The Holy Trinity Chapel, and a School Infirmary. The Main School Building offers state-of-the-art facilities with modern instruments for scientific inquiry and hands-on experimentation. The Holy Trinity Chapel houses over 50,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and first editions. The School Infirmary provides a fully equipped medical facility staffed by qualified healthcare professionals.

Academic Facilities
Main School Building offers state-of-the-art facilities with modern instruments for scientific inquiry and hands-on experimentation. The Holy Trinity Chapel library houses over 50,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts and first editions. The School Infirmary is a fully equipped medical facility staffed by qualified healthcare professionals.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The five pillars of the educational philosophy are The Chemsford Sinker Academic Programme, The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme, The Grindlays Games Programme, The Parigyal Outward Bound Programme, and The Sapan Walia Outreach Programme. These pillars work in concert to prepare students for the complexities and challenges of life.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has Debates & Public Speaking, Model United Nations, and Quizzing & Trivia as part of the Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme. The Bayliss Programme builds confidence, character, and leadership through structured practice and exposure. The Debating Society has national recognition, including the National Champions title in 2023 and participation in 15+ inter-school tournaments.

Arts & Creative
The school has Dramatics & Theatre, Dance & Movement, Western Music, and Creative Writing & Journalism as part of the Bayliss Co-Curricular Activities. Four productions are staged annually, and there is a School Orchestra or Band with instruments such as piano, guitar, and drums, along with an annual Music Festival. Creative Writing workshops and a School Magazine provide outlets for literary expression.

Social & Hobbies
The school has Grindlays Games as a social and hobby club under the Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme. These activities foster teamwork, camaraderie, and recreational interests outside academics.

Community & Service
The school has Sapan Walia Outreach as a community service initiative under the Bayliss Programme.

Leadership & Professional
The Bayliss Co-Curricular Programme is the cornerstone of all-round development, focusing on communication, confidence, and character. Debates & Public Speaking, Model United Nations, and Quizzing & Trivia foster leadership and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school offers Parigyal Outward Bound as outdoor and adventure activities under the Bayliss Programme. Grindlays Games and other sports clubs contribute to fitness and wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the campus language and students are asked to speak English on campus. English Language & Literature is a key subject area in the Prep curriculum, with a Second Language offered as Hindi or French. From Class 9 onwards, Cambridge International (IGCSE) is offered, with the option to transition between Cambridge and CISCE curricula.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Begin your application by filling out the comprehensive admission form and registering for the entrance examination through the Apply Now option. The process identifies students who will thrive in the school's distinctive educational environment. Guidance for the admissions journey is available from the Admissions team via the contact details provided. 2. Pay the non-refundable admission test fee of ₹15,000 at registration. This fee accompanies the entrance examination and is payable at the time of registration. The test is conducted at designated test centres, including Delhi and Shimla. 3. Take the Entrance Examination. The examination is a comprehensive written assessment designed to measure academic aptitude, critical thinking, and foundational knowledge across core subjects. It is subject-based with age-appropriate difficulty levels and is held at designated test centres. Following the examination, a Personal Interview with the student and parents is conducted to assess character, aspirations, and alignment with school values. Admission Test Centres include Delhi (Connaught Place, at our partner institution) and Shimla (Bishop Cotton School, Shimla). 4. Access preparation materials and fee information. Download the syllabus by class to guide preparation; Class 4 to Class 9 syllabi are available. Review the fee structure to plan for tuition, boarding, and additional charges for the academic year. Fees and payment details are provided to help families plan the admissions timeline. For guidance, contact the Admissions team.
School Events
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