Our Campus

A campus of heritage & purpose

Fourteen acres in the heart of Bangalore, buildings of soaring gabled roofs and a multidimensional infrastructure that has, across a century and a half, drawn some six thousand students and served generations of Cottonians with distinction.

Where It All Began

Heritage & Landmarks

The buildings and grounds that carry the memory of the School’s founding years, still very much at the centre of Cottonian life today.

Founder's Circle

Founder’s Circle

A bust of Rev. S. T. Pettigrew, who founded the School in 1865, stands at the centre of this beautifully kept circle, framed by flowering beds.

The Administrative Block

Administrative Block

At the heart of the campus stands one of its most prominent and iconic structures, serving as the office of the Principal for more than a century.

St Peter's Chapel

St Peter’s Chapel

Dedicated in 1911, the Chapel continues to inspire the several hundred students who enter its portals each day.

The School Hall

The School Hall

Built in 1872 under the leadership of Rev. G. U. Pope, it was among the largest school halls in Bangalore; a new edifice now stands proudly on the same site.

Inside the School Hall

Assemblies & Prize-Givings

The Hall’s interior gathers the School together for assemblies, prize-givings and the ceremonial occasions that mark the Cottonian year.

Cottons Auditorium

Cottons Auditorium

Standing on the erstwhile Third Eleven Field, the Bishop Edward Lynch Cotton Auditorium — fondly called the “Great Cottonian Globe” — is a state-of-the-art venue for the School.

Inside the Cottons Auditorium

The Great Cottonian Globe

Tiered seating and a full stage make the Auditorium the setting for concerts, prize-givings and the School’s landmark occasions.

Pettigrew Resource Centre

Pettigrew Resource Centre

The School Library — a gateway to knowledge — is truly an invaluable asset to students and staff alike in the teaching-learning process.

Where Learning Happens

Academic & Learning Centres

Different centres and blocks for Junior, Middle and Senior School and the ISC, each with its own character and place in the Cottonian story.

Kindergarten, I.L. Thomas Block

Kindergarten – I.L. Thomas Block

A safe haven where the youngest children grow and develop through play, the way children learn best — here is where learning at Cottons begins.

Packenham Walsh Block

Packenham Walsh Block

Named after Rev. H. Pakenham Walsh, Principal from 1907 to 1913, this building holds the young boys of Standard II.

Sesquicentennial Block

Sesquicentennial Block

Commissioned by the late Principal Prof. John K. Zachariah, with its foundation stone laid by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to mark the School’s 150th anniversary, this building houses spacious classrooms, audio-visual rooms, conference halls and staff rooms.

Centenary Block

Centenary Block

In 1965, as the School neared its first century, the then President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, inaugurated this building as a fitting tribute to the centennial.

G.U. Pope Academy

G.U. Pope Academy

Named after the late Rev. Dr. G. U. Pope, Warden from 1871 to 1882, the building symbolises a step into the progressive and modern world.

Canon Elphick Block

Canon Elphick Block

Named after Canon William Elphick, Warden from 1930 to 1955, the building houses a modern BioTechnology lab, the office of “The Cottonian” editorial committee and the School’s senior-most students in Standards 11 and 12.

Tower Block

Tower Block

A building from another era and a learning experience in itself, the Tower Block is home to Standards 3 and 4.

Ainley Centre of Learning

Ainley Centre of Learning

Located in the north-west corner of the campus, this single-storey granite building houses students from Standard 6 to 8.

Elphick Resource Centre

Elphick Resource Centre

Accommodating the Physics, Chemistry and Biology laboratories along with the computer learning and resource facility, the centre gives students an insight into the world of scientific research.

Beyond the Classroom

Sport & Recreation

Three playing fields, a full sports complex and courts enough for every Cottonian to discover his game.

First Eleven Field

First Eleven Field

The iconic First Eleven Field is where the general assembly is held every Monday and Friday, and is the venue for the Cottonian Shield cricket finals every year.

Second Eleven Field

Second Eleven Field

A footballer’s delight, the Second Eleven Field is a world-class turf.

Fourth Eleven Field

Fourth Eleven Field

A ground that sees non-stop activity and builds character among the young Cottonians, where football and hockey are played.

Sports Complex

Sports Complex

Envisaged by Dr. Abraham Ebenezer, the state-of-the-art Sports Complex became functional during the tenure of Col. John Ellis, housing a swimming pool, badminton, table tennis, billiards and a squash court.

Swimming pool

Swimming Pool

Part of the Sports Complex, the pool gives every Cottonian the chance to learn and compete in the water.

Gymnasium

Gymnasium

The new Gymnasium is truly a blessing to the students, standing beside the Old Gym — a heritage building and a testimony to the foresight of the School’s founding fathers.

Tennis and basketball courts

Tennis & Basketball Courts

Across the campus’s three fields, tennis and basketball courts round out a sporting infrastructure built for cricket, football and hockey alike.

Home Away From Home

Boarding, Dining & Care

The residences, dining halls and care that make Cottons a second home to boarders from across the country and abroad.

Boarding Dorms

Boarding Dorms

Home away from home, the Boarding Dorms are truly a second home to the boarders who come from different parts of the country and abroad.

Principal's Residence

Principal’s Residence

Close to the Lavelle Road entrance, behind a huge Rain Tree standing as a centennial, is the Principal’s residence.

Cottons Cafeteria and the Gazebo

Cottons Cafeteria & The Gazebo

The Cottons Cafeteria is where Cottonians young and old indulge in the popular Babu’s chicken, while the Gazebo is a one-stop shop for the best dessert experience in Bangalore.

Cottons Infirmary

Cottons Infirmary

The Infirmary provides first-aid and emergency services to students across the campus.

School bus

School Bus & Transport

A transport facility is provided by the School to the young Cottonians.