About
About Us
We trace our roots to the present Cathedral of St. Thomas at Fort, where in 1718, Rev. Richard Cobbe, Chaplain to the East India Company’s Factory at Bombay, founded not far from the Cathedral, in 1718, a small free school, where twelve poor boys were housed, clothed, fed and educated by just one master.
This Charity school, was the grain of mustard seed from which Christ Church School, Byculla and Barnes School & Junior College, Devlali have sprung into mighty trees.
- Award Wining School
- Legacy
- We Care, We Dare, We Educate.
- Exchange Programmes & Educational Tours
- Motivating Sports
- Diverse Activities
- Leadership Training & Career Guidance on Campus
History Of Christ Church
The Bombay Education society (BES) was founded on 29 th January 1815 in Mumbai by the Venerable Archdeacon George Barnes, chaplain to the East India Company at the time.
Chaplain Rev. Richard Cobbe founded a small free school in Mumbai (not far from the present Cathedral of St. Thomas, Fort) to house, feed, clothe and educate twelve poor boys, Archdeacon Barnes realised that the charity school could not meet the educational needs of hundreds of children and so he appealed for funds.
Consequently, The Society for promoting education of the poor within the Government of Bombay now known as the Bombay Education Society (BES) was formed in 1815 with Sir Evan Napean, then the Governor of Bombay, as its first President, to ensure a value based education and good upbringing for under-privileged children.
A site of more than 250 acres was purchased at Devlali and on November 17th 1923, Sir George Lloyd laid the foundation stone of Evans Hall. One of the copper plates commemorating the opening is now on one of the walls of the Evans Hall at Barnes School & Junior College, Devlali.
The other remains with Christ Church School, Byculla, Mumbai which along with the parish church there, stands on part of the land originally given to the BES. Much of the land was later sold to help build Barnes School.
The first small school became congested as more and more students sought admission and therefore it became apparent that new grounds and school buildings were essential. A large, airy site at Byculla was allocated by the government and new school building was opened in 1925.
Less than two years later, i.e. on January 29th 1925, a special train brought the first boarders to Devlali and Barnes School was declared open by Leslie Wilson, Governor of Bombay and patron of the Bombay Education Society. The memory of the Founders and Benefactors is preserved well.
The greatest of them was Rev. Thomas Evans, after being Headmaster at the old school in Byculla, he became the first Headmaster of Barnes. Without him, the school probably would not have survived its early years and this is the reason that his portrait hangs in the Evans Hall, named in his memory when he retired in 1934.
School Management
Bombay Education Society
Mr. Suresh Daniel
President
Mr. Vere Carneiro
Hon. Treasurer
Mr. Lancelot Joseph
Hon. Secretary
Mr. Rudolf Woodman
Director
Mr. Nevin. Foley
Director
Mr. Maurice. D’Souza
Director
Mr. Russell Kane
Director
Our Principal
Principal's Message
Welcome to Christ Church School, Byculla, Mumbai—a place where tradition meets innovation to create an enriching and holistic learning environment. With a legacy spanning over 100 years, our institution has been dedicated to nurturing young minds, instilling values, and fostering a culture of excellence.
At Christ Church School, we are proud to offer two exceptional curricula—the CISCE and Cambridge. Our CISCE section upholds a strong foundation in academic rigor while encouraging students to explore their talents and interests. The Cambridge section reflects our commitment to global education, providing a world-class curriculum that prepares students to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world.
We believe education goes beyond academic achievement. It is about shaping confident, empathetic, and critical thinkers who are ready to make meaningful contributions to society. Our Cambridge learners are encouraged to be reflective, innovative, and engaged citizens, and our inquiry-based learning approach inspires curiosity and a love for lifelong learning. Complementing this are robust co-curricular programs that emphasize character building, teamwork, and leadership.
Christ Church School is a nurturing space where students grow intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Here, every child’s uniqueness is celebrated, their curiosity is encouraged, and their potential is nurtured.
By choosing Christ Church School, you join a vibrant community committed to empowering the next generation. We invite you to embark on this journey with us and look forward to partnering with you to shape your child’s bright and promising future.
Mr. Graham Heiden
The School Song
Receiving strength, I will arise
To show forth that above all else
The honor of my school I prize (x2)
Traditions long cherished; ideals here taught
Of love, truth and service, rewards e’er unsought
Are a trust so sacred that always I’ll strive
To build up a character which must keep alive.
This bright lamp – for ……
Great God of the universe, grant unto me
Thy strength in my weakness, a purpose set free
From fetters of selfishness, loyally fixed
To hand down to others tradition unmixed.
With alloy – so ……
Written by –
Mrs. Winifred Tate
First Headmistress of Christ Church School.
Awards & Achievements
All India National level championship 2024
At the All India National Level Championship 2024, organized by the Youth Sports & Activities
CISCE Pre-Subroto Tournament
The under-17 Girls’ team from Christ Church School was the runner-up at the CISCE Pre-Subroto
Energy Club Activity
The Energy Club held its first activity for the academic year 2024-25, conducting a workshop
An outstanding performance by Mohammed Mazin Shaikh from class 4C.
He saved three crucial goals against Dr. Antonio da Silva, propelling his team into the
CCS under 17 girls football team winners at the District and National level
The CCS under-17 girls football team won both the district and national level. For their
CCS Girls Under-14 Team stood 3rd in the MSSA Football Tournament.
Congratulations Christ Church School Girls under-14 team for securing the 3rd place at the MSSA (Mumbai
The Four Houses
All cultural and sports activities in the school are conducted on an Inter-House basis, in an attempt to inculcate a healthy competitive spirit among the students: The four Houses are
Barnes House: Motto - Play The Game
It is named after Archdeacon George Barnes, the founder of the Bombay Education Society, who together with Mountstuart Elphinstone, laid the foundation stone. George Barnes was appointed the first Archdeacon of Bombay in 1815.
Heber House: Motto - Never Despair
It is named after Bishop Heber. He was present when the foundation stone of the school was laid. He was a man of profound learning, a great lyricist, and wrote many Hymns. His statue was erected by the Chantry at Calcutta.
Malcolm House: Motto - Strength Through Adversity
It is named after Sir John Malcolm, statesman, soldier and historian. He was Governor of Bombay in 1827, and President of the BES. It is to him we owe the establishment of the beautiful hill-station of Mahableshwar, in 1828. He negotiated important treaties with the Scindias and Holkars, after the Maratha War.
Willoughby House: Motto - In God I Have Faith And Perseverance
It is named after Major Edward Willoughby, a gentleman keenly interested in the education of poor children, in his Presidency. He was a perfect gentleman, honourable and upright.