Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh: Living up to its sobriquet “The Best School of All”, The Lawrence School Sanawar, has been ranked Number ONE, both in India and the State of Himachal Pradesh where it is located, in the Vintage Legacy Co-ed Boarding Schools category by the EducationWorld that announced on Tuesday its India-Schools Ranking (EWISR) for the year 2022-23. It may be noted that the annual EWISR is the world’s largest schools ranking survey.

The accolades bestowed upon the school further added to the euphoria on the hill top as it celebrated its 175 years of its foundation in the first week of October. Founded in 1847, The Lawrence School Sanawar is arguably the oldest co-educational residential school in the world.

Awards and accolades have been part and parcel of the school’s 175 yearlong glorious journey. Soon after its inception in 1853, the school became the first and one of the only six schools and colleges in the world to be presented with the King’s Colours and holds the distinction of holding the Colours for the longest unbroken period. In 1857, it became the only school to be administrated directly by the Crown. Its centenary year (1947) was a momentous one as the then Governor General Lord Mountbatten presided over the Centenary celebrations and read out a special message from King George VI. And indeed, even today, this heritage school counts world leaders, top businessmen, distinguished army officers and renowned artistes among its alumni.

Nestled in nature’s verdant embrace, Sanawar has become a name to reckon with in the world of education, in its own right. What is even more remarkable is that the School has given an identity to the hill upon which it stands. Its grand stone buildings with large Georgian windows, wide stone staircases, two cannons and a ‘buggy’ harken to the colonial times it was built in. One of the oldest buildings is the 170-year-old School Chapel with its exquisite stained-glass windows. A War Memorial commemorating the fallen heroes of Sanawar is a stark reminder of its past as a military school.

Expressing happiness over the recognition, the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Himmat Singh Dhillon said, “We are committed to uphold the rich legacy of Sanawar, this distinction has inspired the Team at Sanawar to go the extra mile. Our journey towards excellence in education will continue unabated as we strive to improve our School further. This recognition is once again an emphatic validation of our vision, mission and disposition in the world of education. I wish to thank EducationWorld for this honour and extend my heartiest congratulations to every member of my team at Sanawar.”