S. Thomas’ College Gurutalawa Largest residential school campus in Sri Lanka opens its doors for 2026

S.Thomas’ Guruthalawa offers a safe, structured, and disciplined environment in which children grow into confident, capable, and compassionate young men

The school offers a wide range of sports — including rugby, cricket, football, basketball, squash, horse riding and swimming. The facility used for swimming is shown in the picture

S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa (STCG)-the largest residential school campus in Sri Lanka-is now accepting applications for Nursery and Grade 1 for the 2026 academic year, with a limited number of vacancies available from Grades 2 to 11.

According to the authorities of the school admissions are open for day scholars and boarders, with opportunities to enroll in English medium, Tamil bilingual and Sinhala bilingual classes.

Founded in 1942 by the visionary Dr. R. L. Hayman, STCG was established during World War II when S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia was temporarily relocated to the peaceful highlands of Gurutalawa — on a farm estate gifted by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie de Saram. What began as a wartime necessity has grown into a thriving, fully-fledged residential school with a proud history of academic and character excellence.

Modelled on Gordonstoun in Scotland — the alma mater to members of the British Royal Family — STCG was envisioned as a place to nurture courage, independence, and leadership through outdoor learning and holistic education.

A trusted choice

In a fast-changing world where parents juggle professional pressures, digital distractions, and the challenges of raising well-balanced children, S. Thomas’ College, “Gurutalawa” stands as a trusted choice. It offers a safe, structured, and disciplined environment in which children grow into confident, capable, and compassionate young men.

1. The Largest and Safest Residential Campus in the Country Spread across 45 acres of scenic highlands, STCG offers a serene and secure home for students. The school’s modern boarding facilities are designed for comfort, care, and safety, including:

•  A dedicated sick room staffed by a qualified nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
•  A well-equipped kitchen that provides nutritious, balanced meals prepared under hygienic conditions
•  Video call access to ensure parents can stay connected and engaged with their children’s progress and well-being
•  Parents can rest assured that their children are nurtured in a wholesome, family like environment.

2. Personal Attention and Academic Excellence With a teacher–student ratio of 1:14, every child receives personalized support and guidance. More than 50% of the teachers are university graduates, ensuring high academic standards and results that consistently exceed national averages. The school’s bilingual and English-medium programs enable students from diverse backgrounds to learn in the language environment that best suits their needs.

3. A Blend of Tradition, Technology, and Discipline STCG combines time-honored Thomian values with modern educational tools. Each student has supervised access to Microsoft 360 and high-speed internet for academic purposes, while personal use of digital devices is strictly prohibited. This ensures that children benefit from technology in a disciplined, protected digital environment.

4. Sports, Outdoor Learning, and Character Formation True to Dr. Hayman’s vision, outdoor education remains central to life at S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa. The school offers a wide range of sports — including rugby, cricket, football, basketball, swimming, squash, and horse riding — and is the only school in Sri Lanka to offer horse riding. All sports take place within the campus, which features modern facilities such as a swimming pool, basketball and squash courts, rugby and cricket fields, and horse-riding stables.

Students also take part in scouting, agriculture, music, photography, and cultural activities, helping them develop teamwork, leadership, and respect for nature.

5. The Thomian Advantage As an integral part of the Thomian family of schools, STCG students who complete their O/L education are eligible to continue their A/L studies at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia — a unique and valuable pathway reserved exclusively for Thomians from Gurutalawa.

A decision that shapes the future

At S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa, education goes beyond textbooks — it is a life-shaping journey. Students are moulded to think independently, act responsibly, and live with purpose and compassion. For parents seeking a complete educational environment — one that combines heritage, discipline, digital readiness, outdoor adventure, and a strong moral foundation — STCG stands as the ideal choice.

Choosing STC Gurutalawa is not just about selecting a school; it is an investment in your child’s growth, safety, and lifelong success.

Admissions Open for 2026:

•  Grades: Nursery to Grade 11
•  Mediums: English / Tamil Bilingual / Sinhala Bilingual

More details regarding admission inquiries can be obtained by contacting S. Thomas’ College, Gurutalawa via phone lines 0572280000 or by dialing the school’s hotlines 0772277405/0744120931.

Information about the school can be obtained by browsing the website www.stcguru.edu.lk or by dropping a mail to [email protected]