Cornwall College

Is that the scent of salt air mingling with the sweet aroma of mangoes? It must mean we’re approaching Cornwall College. Right here in the heart of Montego Bay, this grand institution has stood as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity since 1896. It’s the third oldest high school in the county of Cornwall. Cornwall College boasts a rich history, initially known as Montego Bay Government Secondary School. The school’s journey began on Barracks Road, now the site of the Public Works Office. Imagine the classrooms bustling with eager young minds, all striving for a brighter future. In those early years, space was a luxury. The school’s rapid growth led to overcrowding, but a generous donation in 1909 from the esteemed Hon. D.A. Corinaldi changed everything. His contribution of 2,500 pounds paved the way for a new era for Cornwall College. By 1911, the school proudly stood on its current site, a sprawling 34-acre estate known as Pleasant Hill. Cornwall College has always been a pioneer in education. In fact, it has the distinction of being the first government school in Jamaica, and the first high school in the West Indies, to offer chemistry and physics. Just imagine the groundbreaking discoveries that must have unfolded within these very walls! The legacy of Cornwall College extends far beyond its academic achievements. The school has produced a constellation of notable alumni, from politicians and judges to athletes and artists, shaping Jamaica’s destiny in countless ways.