St. Paul's School, Belgaum

St. Paul's High School is a Jesuit-run boys school located in the Cantonment area in Belgaum, North Karnataka, India, near the girl's Joseph's Convent High School and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima. It was founded in 1856 and celebrated its 150th jubilee in 2006. It is recognized by the government and managed by the Society of Jesus.HistoryThe school was founded in 1856. Fr. Charmilliot, an Austrian Jesuit, first stepped into the compound of St Paul's as the chaplain of Our Lady of Mount Carmel chapel, that existed on these premises. From that day the Jesuits never left the premises even though their nationality might have changed. First the school had Austrian and German Jesuit fathers. They were replaced by the Portuguese Jesuits. Now Indian Jesuits of the Goa Province run the school.MottoThe motto of the school is Induamar Arma Lucis – "Let us put on the armour of light", which means "Be a light to others, bring light to the world around you by your words, and above all by your actions."GrowthBeginning with four classrooms and 60-70 students, the school has grown to over 2000 students. Though it was started primarily for the Catholics, it has opened its doors to students of all religions, castes, ethnic backgrounds, and colour. Scholarships and help are provided to those who can't afford the tuition.Academic standingThe school received recognition on 30 November 1868 from Bombay University as a part of Bombay Presidency. The first batch appeared in the Matriculation Examination in 1917. It was given government grant-in-aid already from 1917.The Inspector Mr. H. Davies wrote in 1936: The upper classes are extremely well graded and taught, the School’s record in the Matriculation Examination being one which over a long period has entitled it to respect….The percentage of passes (24 sent up and 20 passed) is therefore 83% as against the University general average of 35% and the school stands first among the English Teaching Schools of the Presidency. The best English education is given here and conversation in English is compulsory unlike some of the other schools in the city. Discipline in language, dressing and mannerisms is the priority of this rich institution. It has earned distinctions at ten times the average rate for the Presidency and has once more secured the Latin prize.