Royal College Port Louis

Mauritius, 1791. A seed was planted. A seed of knowledge, nurtured by the French and christened “Lycée des Iles de France et de la Réunion”. This, my friends, is the very ground where that seed took root, grew, and flourished into what we now know as the Royal College Port Louis. The Royal College Port Louis stands as a testament to centuries of educational pursuit. It has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical, to become the prestigious institution you see before you. Originally established during French colonial rule, the college has undergone a fascinating transformation. It began its life catering to up to 300 students. In 1810, with the shift of power to the British, the name changed to “Lycée Colonial,” and later, by royal decree, to “Royal College.” Disaster struck in 1824 when a cyclone ravaged the building. Scholarships were briefly suspended but later reinstated, marking the college’s enduring commitment to academic excellence. The Royal College Port Louis even served as a hospital during a malaria epidemic in 1866. The school eventually moved to Curepipe due to space constraints and concerns about the Port Louis location. But the call of the capital was strong. In 1956, Princess Margaret herself laid the first stone of the new Royal College Port Louis building right here in Cassis. This marked a triumphant return to the city and the beginning of a new chapter. The college has a rich tradition of producing Higher School Certificate laureates. These bright minds have often gone on to pursue tertiary education abroad, fueled by state scholarships. In more recent times, 2021 saw the Royal College Port Louis embrace co-education, welcoming both male and female students. It stands as a beacon of learning, fostering not just academic prowess but also a well-rounded development that embraces both physical and mental activities. The echoes of history resonate within these walls, whispering tales of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering dedication to shaping the future of Mauritius, one bright mind at a time. The Royal College Port Louis is more than just a school. It is a living legacy, a symbol of the power of education to transcend time and circumstance.