About St. Edmund's School, Shillong (SES) in St. Edmund's School Laitumkhrah, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, Shillong

St. Edmund's School, Shillong is an all-boys institution of the Roman Catholic Church affiliated to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, (ICSE) New Delhi, India. The school is situated in the Laitumkhrah Hills of Shillong.

History

The school was established by the Congregation of Christian Brothers (India province) in Laitumkhrah, Shillong in 1923. The school is located in Shillong (5,088 feet above sea level)the capital of Meghalaya State. Set amongst the lush temperate forests of the Khasi and Jaintia Hills with its many waterfalls, Shillong was known as Scotland of the East during the British colonial period. The brotherhood was founded by Blessed Edmund Rice. The Christian Brothers were invited to Shillong in 1915 and St. Edmund’s College was begun in 1916. It was, however, in 1923 that the College was ready to start Inter-Arts and Inter-Science classes, and affiliation to Calcutta University, for these courses was received in 1923. The first classes of the University section of St. Edmund’s College opened in 1924. Bro. J. E. McCann was the first Principal of the College (he was also the Principal of the School at this time). Bro. I. O’Leary was the first Principal of the College (separate from the School).
From 1924 to 1936, St. Edmund’s College was junior college for Intermediate Arts and Science. At this level the college offered English, Alternative English, Latin, History, Maths, Geography, Physical Chemistry for arts and science respectively.
The College celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in 1999.

The Saga Begins

As early as 1894, Mgr. Edmund Becker, the prefect Apostolic of Assam had conceived the idea of a boarding school for boys in Shillong. His enthusiasm was rekindled when a noted educationist, Sir Archdale Earle was appointed as Chief Commissioner of Assam in 1912. Sir Archdale Earle strongly backed Mgr. Edmund Becker’s idea. Mgr. Edmund Becker wanted the finest educationists to build up his dream , so he convinced the Christian Brothers to take up the project.
In 1913, Br. Stanislaus O’Brien came to Shillong to oversee plans for the school. In 1914, the present location - then, nothing but a dense pine forest - was handed over by the Government to the Brothers. The pioneer, Br. Stanislaus O’Brien, stayed alone on the 24 acre property and saw the birth of St. Edmund’s School, which was his home from 1914 till his death in 1940.
Within a year and a half the building was completed. Mgr. Edmund Becker blessed the foundation stone. In acknowledgement of Mgr. Edmund Becker’s immense contribution, St. Edmund’s School was named after his patron saint.
In February 1916, the admission of 3 boys saw St. Edmund’s doors open. The numbers soon rose to 31 boarders and 11 day scholars. St. Edmund’s School was officially opened on 6th October 1916 by Sir Archdale Earle. Br. Andrew Luke Aherne became the first Principal.
Thus began the saga of St. Edmund’s. The institution has since grown into full-fledged School and Degrees College, providing quality education and turning out capable, smart young minds in the service of God and society.