- Tel: 01782-222378
- gms_ktz@yahoo.co.in
- Kotgarh, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
School
Gorton Mission School Kotgarh - A Beacon of Education in the Himalayas
Gorton Mission School Kotgarh was founded on 13th June 1843 by a few Civil and army Officers the Prominent being Mr. William Gorton & Major Boileau. It is one of the oldest Schools in the North West of Punjab. It is beautifully situated on the foothills of The Mighty Himalayas about three hours’ drive from North East of Shimla. It over looks the magnificent Satluj Valley and is surrounded by apple orchards and snowy peaks. The school features in Rudyard Kipling’s “Kim”.
The factors that apparently moved the founders to start a School in this area were the appalling conditions of Human Existence, poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, untouchability and Human Sacrifice which was prevalent in those Days.
I would like to mention here that for some period German Missionaries also served the School Rev. J.D. Prochnow being the prominent one. Later the school was entrusted to the Church Missionary Society (CMS) which had commenced its work under the Himalayan Mission during those times.
For years the School remained the beacon of knowledge for hundreds of pupils who have passed out through this oldest School in Himachal Pradesh. This Institution has withstood many trials and tribulations and has courageously been successful in fulfilling the wishes of its founders.Presently it is the only surviving Institution out of the many founded, fostered and patronized by the CMS (Church Missionary Society), those in Kullu, Rampur etc were closed for reasons not clearly known. In all there were fourteen Branches of the school at Matiana, Rampur, Shawat, Thanadhar, Kanda etc.
In 1952 the School was recognized by the Education Department Punjab, ever since then it has continued to provide holistic education in this rural area of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It was only in the late seventies and subsequently that the Church of North India (CNI) was able to consolidate itself as the rightful successor to the legacy left by the Church of England.
Gorton Mission School is a Residential-cum-day-cum-co-edn. School. It is situated at 6,500ft above the sea level. The school Campus is surrounded by lovely orchards & Deodar trees. The Himalayan splendour is at its best & the Majestic view of the Satluj adds to the beauty of the place. The climate is salubrious which is ideal for sound health & general well being of a child. The environment of the area is congenial for imparting Education (Pollution free, noise free)
In 1989 the School got its affiliation to the Council for Indian Certificate Examination (ICSE) New Delhi. The School has shown remarkable improvement in the field of academic results, co-curricular activities and Sports. In 2004 Gorton Mission School opened a small Branch at Thanadhar under the out reach programmme. The School has classes till the Primary level. The school Branch got an overwhelming reponse from the parents and every year the School is growing stronger.
In the year 2008, the School got its affiliation for the ISC level (XI & XII). It was yet another step to uplift this pioneer Institution and fulfill the wishes of its founders.
Through the vision and dynamic chairmanship of The Rt. Revd. Manoj Charan, the present Bishop of the Diocese of Amritsar, CNI, the Board of Governors, and the present 13th principal, Mrs. Rohini Minhas, the school is bound to achieve new heights and give new dimensions to the institution in the field of education and service. From 2023, the school has been registered as a society, to continue its 182 years of service and commitment. We pledge to strive hard in our endeavour to bring out all- round developed and enlightened personalities in our students who can contribute constructively in the progress and prosperity of society, nation and world.
Mahatma Gandhi observed “that placing the needs of others before your own is an important step on the journey of self-discovery”.
School Motto: “LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE”
Memorable Clicks
A visual diary of the unforgettable experiences that shape our students’ journey
