Nec Dextrorsum, Nec Sinistrorsum · Est. 1865

Boys of character, since 1865.

For over a century and a half, Bishop Cotton Boys’ School — the “Eton of the East” — has shaped boys into men of scholarship, faith and service.

160
Years of heritage
No. 1
Boys’ school in India
100%
ISC & ICSE results
Aerial view of the school campus, building and morning assembly on the grounds
Mind & Muscle · Sport at Cottons

Champions on the field, and off it.

Home to the Cottonian Shield — one of India’s oldest school cricket tournaments — with an artificial-turf field, a heated swimming pool and a modern fitness centre.

Historic
The Cottonian Shield — among India’s oldest school cricket tournaments
Heated
Pool, turf field & gym
14
Acres of playing fields
Cottonian Shield cricket champions
Scholarship · ICSE & ISC

An education that stands the test of time.

Rigorous ICSE and ISC academics across Science, Commerce and Humanities — taught by a distinguished faculty who know each boy by name.

100%
ISC & ICSE results
3
Senior-school streams
K–12
One seamless school
The Centenary Block
Beyond the Classroom · Life at Cottons

More than a school — a way of life.

From the choir and the band to Scouts, NCC, debate, MUN and dozens of clubs — every Cottonian finds his stage.

Houses
A home for every boy
Choir
Band, drama & the arts
Clubs
Debate, MUN & more
The School Choir performing
Nec Dextrorsum, Nec Sinistrorsum · Est. 1865

Boys of character, since 1865.

For over a century and a half, Bishop Cotton Boys’ School — the “Eton of the East” — has shaped boys into men of scholarship, faith and service.

160
Years of heritage
No. 1
Boys’ school in India
100%
ISC & ICSE results
The historic Tower Block clock tower
The historic Administrative Block
The School

A century and a half on Residency Road

Founded in 1865 and named for Bishop George Edward Lynch Cotton, Bishop Cotton Boys’ School is among the oldest and most distinguished schools in India — long known as the “Eton of the East.” For 160 years it has educated boys from pre-primary to pre-university in the heart of Bengaluru.

A day-cum-boarding school of the Karnataka Central Diocese, Cottons pairs a proud Anglican heritage with a forward-looking ICSE & ISC education — and a campus whose grounds, chapel and halls have shaped generations of Cottonians.

Read our full history
Mr. Alistair R. A. Freese, Principal
Mr. Alistair R. A. Freese
Principal
From the Principal

A Cottonian learns early that the measure of a man is not rank or marks alone, but character tested in service.

Since 1865 this School has stood for an education of the whole boy — mind, body and spirit. We hold our scholars to the highest academic standards while teaching them to lead with humility, to compete with grace, and to walk, as our motto bids, neither to the right nor to the left, but straight on.

Mr. Alistair R. A. FreesePrincipal
Read the Principal’s full message
Our Ethos

On, straight on

Three commitments, unchanged in 160 years, shape every boy who passes through our gates.

i.

Scholarship

Rigorous ICSE & ISC academics taught by a distinguished faculty — curiosity, discipline and a love of learning for its own sake.

ii.

Character

A house and pastoral system that builds integrity, resilience and quiet confidence — the making of dependable, principled young men.

iii.

Service

Chapel, uniformed services and outreach that turn privilege into responsibility — leadership rooted in faith and humility.

Academics

One school, every stage of his growth

A seamless path from a boy’s very first day in pre-primary to his university doorstep — under masters who know him by name.

Explore curriculum →
IAges 4–6

Pre-Primary

Play-led foundations in language, numbers and curiosity in a warm, secure environment.

Learn more →
IIStd I–V

Primary School

Strong literacy, numeracy and inquiry, with art, music and sport for every boy.

Learn more →
IIIStd VI–X · ICSE

Secondary School

The ICSE curriculum paired with leadership, laboratories and life-skills that build confidence.

Learn more →
IVStd XI–XII · ISC

Senior School

Science, Commerce & Humanities streams with expert masters and university & career guidance.

Learn more →
Mind & Muscle

Equal to the task — in the lecture hall and on the field.

Cottonians have always been scholars and sportsmen in equal measure. Our grounds and facilities are among the finest of any school in the country.

1865
Sporting heritage since
14
Acres of campus & fields
i.The Cottonian ShieldHistoricA storied inter-school cricket competition, contested continuously for generations — one of the oldest tournaments of its kind in the country.
ii.Artificial-Turf Football FieldAn all-weather pitch for football and field sports, playable through every season.
iii.Heated Swimming PoolYear-round swimming, learn-to-swim programmes and competitive inter-house galas.
iv.Fitness & Strength CentreA fully-equipped modern gymnasium with age-appropriate training for every senior.
v.Courts, Track & GroundsAthletics, basketball, tennis, hockey and more across a historic green campus.
Life at Cottons

Beyond the classroom

The houses, the chapel, the choir and the clubs — where Cottonians find their feet and their friendships for life.

Explore campus life →

The House System

Every boy belongs to a house — the heart of pastoral care, healthy rivalry and belonging.

Music, Choir & Chapel

A celebrated choir, school band and a chapel life that anchors the rhythm of the Cottonian year.

Uniformed Services

Scouts, NCC and our Uniformed Services Scheme instil discipline, duty and quiet leadership.

Boarding Life

A day-cum-boarding school where boarders find a second home, structure and lifelong brotherhood.

The Cottonian & Debate

Our storied magazine, plus debate, MUN and drama that sharpen voice, wit and conviction.

Clubs & Societies

From robotics to the arts, dozens of clubs ensure every interest and talent finds a home.

Nec Dextrorsum, Nec Sinistrorsum — neither to the right, nor to the left. On, straight on.
The School Motto · Since 1865
Here a boy is measured by his character long before his marks.
The Cottonian creed
Scholars by morning, sportsmen by afternoon — gentlemen always.
Life at Cottons
The Cottonian Shield has been played longer than most have loved the game.
Of cricket at Cottons
Notable Cottonians

A lineage of leaders

For 160 years, Cottonians have gone on to lead in the armed forces, the arts, sport, statecraft and industry — carrying the School’s motto into the world.

Gen. K. S. ThimayyaArmy Chief
Ricky Kej3× Grammy Winner
Nandan NilekaniInfosys & UIDAI
Colin CowdreyEngland Cricket Captain
Raja RamannaNuclear Physicist
Bharat GoenkaTally Solutions

From these gates have come soldiers, scholars, sportsmen, artists and statesmen — Cottonians all.

An Old CottonianOn the brotherhood of Bishop Cotton
Admissions 2026–27

Give him a place where he can truly belong.

Seats are filling for LKG and Std XI for the new academic year. Book a campus tour or begin your application today — our admissions office will guide you at every step.

Apply Online →Book a Campus TourPhoto Gallery

Applications close July 31, 2026