S. Thomas’ College at Gurutalawa is a Government Approved, Fee Levying, Private Boarding School within the Diocese of Colombo of the Church of Ceylon following the National Programme of Education leading up to the G. C. E. Ordinary Level Examination with teaching in all three media.
Although rooted in the School founded by Bishop James Chapman at Mutwal in 1851 (at Mount Lavinia since 1918) Guru, has from 1942, had its own distinct ethos and unique philosophy of education that promote a lifestyle and a number of activities designed to provide a holistic and all-round education.
Governed by a Board of Governors chaired by the Bishop of Colombo, the School is headed by an Anglican Priest-Headmaster supported by a dedicated staff who provide care and teaching to the children. A Chaplaincy team ensures pastoral care while House and Dormitory Masters ensure discipline and good order in the Hostel.
In keeping with the Thomian ethos we welcome children come from all parts of the country without distinction on the basis of ethnicity, class, caste or creed. Guru is also perhaps the only Diocesan School to offer facilities for girls as well as boys.
The Boarding, is the backbone of the School and offers hostel facilities that are very basic but clean, safe, and comfortable. The students themselves are responsible for the cleanliness of their residential facilities as part of their education and formation in self reliance and responsible independence. The distance from all major cities helps ensure that our students are not sidetracked by the many distractions and negative influences often faced by children in city schools.
A sense of the spiritual is inculcated in all students through daily religious devotions. All Christians attend daily morning prayers and night prayers in the Chapel and the Holy Eucharist on Sundays. Bible study classes are held every Sunday evening for those who would like to attend. This emphasis on spiritual formation is an integral part of the education S. Thomas' has sought to offer from our inception.
In addition to daily school classes, individual or group Private Tuition facilities are offered on campus for children who really need such extra help rather than as a response to the prevailing tuition culture. A lop-sided education is not encouraged and there is an emphasis on the right balance between studies and extra curricular activities. Guru provides facilities for nearly all sports including Athletics, Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Basket Ball, Squash, Volley Ball, Soccer, Hockey, Table Tennis, Badminton, and Swimming as well as for activities such as Scouting, Horse Riding, Hiking and Trekking. There is also encouragement for a variety of societies and clubs, debating, oratory, oriental dancing & music.
This unique ethos of the School is supplemented by a beautiful, lush, green 45 acre campus. Being in a beautiful and almost remote part of the Uva Province we are close to Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ohiya, Horton Plains and Haputale, and enjoy a salubrious climate all year round enabling the children to breath clean, unpolluted air and thrive in a natural environment.
All these facilities and a warm family atmosphere are provided in order for the children to develop into integrated persons and good citizens. The all inclusive fees of Rs 8000/- per month when compared to the cost of educating a child in any of our cities and large towns, is very reasonable and there is no admission fee for Boarders.
