Bangalore ICSESchool Guide

Five top ICSE schools in Bangalore

A short guide for parents to five of the city’s most respected ICSE schools, every one of them founded in the 1800s and still going strong.

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1858Founded

St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School

Museum Road, central Bangalore

One of the oldest schools in the city, run in the Jesuit tradition. SJBHS is known for strong academics alongside a big sporting culture, especially hockey, football and athletics, and a large, active alumni network.

  • ICSE & ISC
  • Boys’ school (ISC section takes girls)
  • Jesuit management
  • Large campus, strong sports
1865Founded

Bishop Cotton Boys’ School

St. Mark’s Road, near the city centre

A historic Anglican school with day and boarding students. Cottons is regularly named among India’s best schools and is known for its leafy heritage campus, debating and music, and an all-round approach to education.

  • ICSE & ISC
  • Boys’ school
  • Day & boarding
  • Heritage campus
1865Founded

Bishop Cotton Girls’ School

St. Mark’s Road, beside Cubbon Park

Sister school to Bishop Cotton Boys’ and one of the most sought-after girls’ schools in the country. BCGS is known for consistently strong board results, confident public speaking and a busy calendar of arts and sport.

  • ICSE & ISC
  • Girls’ school
  • Church of South India management
  • Central location
1866Founded

Cathedral High School

Richmond Road, near Richmond Town

A long-established co-educational school linked to St. Mark’s Cathedral. Cathedral has a reputation for steady academic results, a close-knit feel and a well-rounded mix of clubs, quizzing and sport.

  • ICSE
  • Co-ed
  • Church-affiliated
  • Close-knit community
1880Founded

Baldwin Boys’ High School

Hosur Road, Richmond Town

A Methodist school with more than a century of history and a recognisable red-brick campus. Baldwin Boys’ is known for discipline, sport and a long list of well-known alumni, with Baldwin Girls’ High School nearby.

  • ICSE & ISC
  • Boys’ school
  • Methodist management
  • Sister school nearby

At a glance

SchoolFoundedAreaWho it’s forBoards
St. Joseph’s Boys’1858Museum RoadBoysICSE, ISC
Bishop Cotton Boys’1865St. Mark’s RoadBoys (day & boarding)ICSE, ISC
Bishop Cotton Girls’1865St. Mark’s RoadGirlsICSE, ISC
Cathedral High1866Richmond RoadCo-edICSE
Baldwin Boys’1880Richmond TownBoysICSE, ISC

Before you apply

  1. Check each school’s website for admission dates. Most popular ICSE schools open forms for the next year many months in advance, and seats at entry level fill quickly.
  2. Ask about fees, transport and the commute. All five are in central Bangalore, so travel time from outer areas can be long at peak hours.
  3. Visit the campus if you can. Talking to current parents often tells you more than any ranking.
  4. Confirm what happens after Class 10. Not every school offers ISC (Classes 11 and 12), and some admit new students at that stage.