The English School Timeline
A Second Century
The English School, Nicosia, has stood as a cornerstone of education in Cyprus since its founding in 1900. With a legacy of academic rigour, inclusivity, and innovation, the School has evolved over the decades, responding to challenges and embracing opportunities to serve its diverse student body.
The English School, Nicosia: A 125-Year Journey of Excellence
1900-1910 - Founding Vision
- 1900: Founded by Canon Frank Darvall Newham, The English School began with 13 boys in a rented house within the medieval walls of Nicosia.
- 1900-1905: Canon Newham introduced sports like football, hockey, and cricket to Cyprus, fostering a holistic educational approach.
- 1909: The first annual English School magazine was created. This practice continues today.
There was rapid growth in student enrollment, solidifying the School's role as a leading academic institution. Cultural and athletic traditions began to take root, further enriching student life.
- 1913: All residential masters and boys were moved to new buildings.
- 1914: The First World War breaks out, and despite many difficulties, the school continues to flourish.
- 1915: During the Annual Prize ceremony attended by High Commissioner Sir John and Lady Clauson, Canon Newham referred to the substantial progress made with 142 boys on the role.
The School expanded its reach, attracting students from diverse communities locally and internationally. It became known for its academic rigour and commitment to inclusivity.
- 1922: During the great measles epidemic, only The English School and one other school on the island stayed open.
- 1930: Control of the school was transferred to the British Governor, marking its transition from a private venture to a government-administered institution.
- 1934: The school suffered its first major setback when the army requisitioned the English School building at the Paphos gate (now the Nicosia Supreme Courts) at only 14 days' notice and converted it into the Wolseley barracks. The school was obliged to move into a house on Byron Avenue, and the boarders' quarters were also moved. Due to the shortage of accommodation, there are now only 130 pupils on roll compared to over 200 in the previous couple of years.
- 1935: Introduction of The English School Management and Control Law, allowing students of all faiths to practice their religions.
- 1938: Moved to its current location opposite the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, providing a permanent home for the institution. Due to the imminent outbreak of the war, the School is instructed by Mr Sims, the Headmaster, on air raid precautions
1940-1950 - Wartime Challenges
- 1940: Construction of the Lloyds Building as a boarding facility. During the summer holidays, the students voluntarily build air-raid shelters under the athletics stadium and offer their service to the government as first-aid assistants and stretcher-bearers.
- 1941-1943: Temporarily relocated to the Castelli Hotel in Kyrenia due to World War II, with the Nicosia campus serving as an army hospital. The Seaview Hotel, the east wing of the Dome Hotel, and four rented houses serve as accommodations for staff and students. Shops are also rented for use as classrooms. As a result of the move, the number of boarders increase from 22 to 173.
- 1942: Following a fatal measles, mumps and typhoid epidemic, the whole school is inoculated.
- 1946: Death of founder Canon Frank Darvall Newham in Kyrenia, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and inclusivity.
- 1957: Established an affiliated English School for Girls, expanding educational opportunities.
- 1958: The School numbers drop from 550 to 300 due to the political situation as the school is seen as 'Un-Christian', An epidemic of the Asian Flue sweeps the school with half of its population being struck down in one day. The Alks building becomes one vast hospital.
- 1960: Following Cyprus' independence, control of the school passed to the Cypriot Government.
- 1962: Merged with The English School for Girls, becoming a co-educational institution.
- 1963: In December, the inter-communal troubles started between Greek Cypriots, which resulted in Turkish Cypriot staff and students leaving the School. The National Guard takes over the Lloyds Boarding House.
- 1969: Established the 5B4ES amateur radio club, operated by students.
1970-1980 Turbulent Times
Continued growth in student enrollment, exceeding 1,000 by the early 1970s.
- 1974: Mr Humphreys, the Headmaster, makes every effort to keep the school open and avoid staff redundancies. The school opens on the 30th of September with a population of 610, which is far less than in previous years, reaching 916. In the prevailing situation, the Headmaster makes every attempt to cut costs so that the School's continuation is ensured. Staff contributed by making a 20% salary cut.
- 1975: Despite challenges, the School maintained its mission to serve all communities and provide quality education. D.H. Humphreys mentions the school's high academic standards. Over five summers, the school made 6669 subject entries at O-and A-Level, of which 5239 (78.5%) were passed, and of these passes, 1110 (21%) were at Grade A.
1980-1990 - Expansion and Modernization
The Lloyds Boarding House was repurposed as classrooms for younger students.
Focus on modernizing facilities and maintaining high academic standards.
- 1985: Celebrated 85 years of educational excellence, reaffirming its commitment to academic rigour.
- 1988: Introduced new extracurricular programs, enhancing student development.
1990-2000 - A New Era
- 1990: Addition of the Sports Centre, enhancing athletic opportunities for students. The School reinforced its leadership in extracurricular excellence, from debating to music.
- 1992: A fire breaks out, causing extensive damage to a large part of the Main Building. Once again, the ES community comes together, and repairs are quickly made. No school days are lost.
- 1995: Hosted the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships, showcasing its commitment to global discourse.
- 2000: Celebrated its centenary, marking 100 years of educational service.
2000-2010 - Commitment to Diversity
- 2003: Re-enrolled Turkish Cypriot students, reinstating its bi-communal status. Turkish Cypriot students were welcomed back, emphasizing inclusivity and inter-communal harmony.
- 2004: Unveiled a new science building, modernizing its facilities. Invested in state-of-the-art facilities
2010-2020 - Building for the Future
Continued success in academic and extracurricular activities, with recognition in national and international competitions.
- 2015: The independent School Inspectorate inspects the School. There are 1128 total students (596 boys, 532 girls).
- 2017: The construction of the Newham Building has begun, expanding academic spaces. May/June results see A*-B for GCE A Level at 88.5% and I/GCSE results at 91.8%.
- 2018: The multi-use Sports Centre has been completely renovated, with new changing rooms. The May/June results show A*-B GCE A Level at 85.6% and I/GCE results at 87.8%.
- 2019: Opening a state-of-the-art weights room/gym at the Sports Centre. I/GCSE The English School percentage of Grades 9/8/7 (formerly A*) was 74%. (Compared with the UK average, which was only 20.7%). GCE Grade A*/A was 70.9% compared to the UK average of 25.2%. Recognized as a British School Overseas by the UK Department for Education, affirming its adherence to British educational standards.
2020–Present: A Legacy of Excellence 2024:
The School remains a leader in education, fostering inclusivity, academic achievement, and a commitment to serving all Cypriot communities.
- 2020: The introduction of a Tennis Centre with five new tennis courts. With the coronavirus outbreak, schools are locked down, and The English Schools take on a new digital existence.
- 2021: Renovation of the Main Football Pitch, installation of a new artificial grass surface, and the addition of two new outdoor basketball courts.
- 2022: Refurbishment of the Athletics Track.
- 2023: Stuart Walker became the current Headmaster, continuing the tradition of visionary leadership.
- 2024: Celebrated outstanding academic achievements, with students earning prestigious awards across 19 categories in the Pearson Learner Awards for the May/June 2024 session. It continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, preparing students for meaningful and fulfilling lives in a global society.
Throughout its 125-year history, The English School, Nicosia, has remained a beacon of educational excellence. It has adapted to changing times while steadfastly upholding its founding principles.
