Our History
Our school is born at St Andrew’s Kirk
St Andrew’s School first opened its doors with an enrollment of 24 students. Its first headmaster was Reverend J. H. Poole, the Minister then in charge of St. Andrews Presbyterian Kirk. For the next two years, the students were accommodated in the Kirk Hall, and the name St Andrew’s was permanently adopted.
The Collins House
The number of students had increased to 70 and the Kirk Hall was no longer an adequate location for the school. In that same year, a group of enthusiastic and far-sighted parents negotiated the purchase of the Collins property that borders both Shirley Street and Collins Avenue.
Immediate Growth
The Collins mansion provided extensive quarters and a wonderful atmosphere for learning that enabled the school to grow to 160 pupils.
Educational Developments
In addition to offering the London University GCE ‘O’ Level courses and examinations, the School became a PSAT and SAT Examination Centre.
Moving Again
The School’s population had grown to 590 students. The existing School property at Yamacraw was acquired and a major community fundraising effort ensued, led by the energetic and devoted Headmaster, Mr. John Chaplin.
The Yamacarw Campus Opens
The Collins Property was sold to the Ministry of Education for $850,000 and in November 1971, the school moved to the campus it occupies today.
Mr Chaplin moves on
After leading St Andrew’s since 1954, Mr John Chaplin left after 19 years as Headmaster. Mr Chaplin led the school through two campus moves and remains our longest-serving school leader.
Celebrating 50 years
St Andrew’s celebrated its 50th anniversary. As a special ceremony, guest speaker Mr Michael Pintard stressed the importance of ‘Ethics and Excellence’. This would soon replace the latin ‘Egomet Sequar’ as the school’s new motto.
Developing the Campus: Phase 1
Modern Sceince Laboritories, on the newly-added theird floor of the Secondary School block, were opened by The Hon. Dion Foulkes, Minister of Education, Youth & Sports.
Early Learning Centre Opens
Our state of the art Early Learning Centre was opened in August of 2002, accepting “pre-reception” and “reception” students. The school was first authorised to deliver the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at this time.
The IB Diploma Programme
Under the leadership of Principal Dennsion MacKinnon, St Andrew’s was authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the first group of St Andrew’s students began their work.
Developing the Campus: Phase 2
Our Library, Research and IT Centre were formally opened by Governor-Genral Dame Ivy Dunmore.
Mr MacKinnon Moves on
After 9 years as Principal and CEO at St Andrew’s, Dennison McKinnon left to take up a new post in Barbados. Mr McKinnon oversaw many shugely significant curricular and facility developments in his time and, to this day, only Mr John Chaplin led the school for a longer period.
In 2023, the School established “‘The Dennison J. MacKinnon Endowment for ProfessionalDevelopment at St Andrew’s International School” to support faculty and staff development in Mr MacKinnon’s name.
Auditorium Rennovation
Our newly-renovated auditorium was officially opened by Sir Richad Branson in 2013. The students were delighted that assemblies and performances would now be air conditioned!
Mr Murray Retires
Mr Allan Murray, History Teacher & Head of Lucayan, taught at St Andrew’s from 1971 until 2013 and is the school’s longest serving, and perhaps best-loved teacher.
In 2023, the School established “‘The Allan Murray Endowment for Scholarships at St Andrew’s International School” to support scholaships in Mr Murray’s name.
The International GCSE
In August 2016, the first group of St Andrew’s students began IGCSE courses as these were felt to be the best preparation for the IB Diploma. Many students continue to take BGCSE examinations.
