“What began in wartime barracks now stands tall” could easily be the motto of The Air Force School. This school is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a living testament to the vision of providing quality education.
The Air Force School started in 1955. Chief of Air Staff Subroto Mukherjee founded it. The school first opened in temporary wartime barracks. These barracks were at Wellingdon Camp near the Prime Minister’s residence. The goal was simple. It was to educate the children of Indian Air Force personnel. Initially, it was named Air Force Central School.
Imagine the scene those early days. Makeshift classrooms buzzed with eager students. Dedicated teachers shaped young minds. The Air Force School quickly became a beacon of learning and growth.
In May 1967 The Air Force School moved. It shifted to its present location on the Aravali ridge in Subroto Park. This new campus offered more space and better facilities. The school celebrated its Silver Jubilee in 1980. It was then that the word “Central” was dropped from its name.
Today The Air Force School stands as a co-educational public institute. It is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education. The school caters to students from Kindergarten to Class XII. Boarding facilities are available for boys in classes VI to XII.
The Air Force School campus spans 15 acres. It is known as the Aravali Campus. It includes instructional blocks and laboratories. There is also a music division and staff quarters. A boarding house and an SUPW complex complete the scene.
Did you know that The Air Force School has an auditorium called Aravali Hall? The school also has two wings. A junior wing serves classes Kindergarten to V. The senior wing is for classes VI to XII.
The Air Force School is run by the Indian Air Force Educational and Cultural Society. This society also runs sister schools. These include Air Force Bal Bharati School and the Air Force Golden Jubilee Institute.
The Air Force School offers four main academic streams. These include Humanities, Commerce, Science (Medical), and Science (Non-medical). Students can choose from a wide range of subjects. These subjects include economics, history, and computer science.
Sports are an integral part of The Air Force School. The campus has playfields for hockey, cricket, and football. There is also a 400-meter track. The Sports Authority of India provides coaching in football, hockey, and basketball. Students participate in mountaineering and trekking. They also go to adventure camps at hill stations.
Notably The Air Force School has produced many accomplished alumni. These include Lt. General Anoop Malhotra and Air Marshal Diptendu Choudhury. Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, is also an alumnus. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, attended The Air Force School. Also Mohana Singh Jitarwal, one of the first female fighter pilots of India.
In recognition of its excellence, The Air Force School was ranked number 1 in South West Delhi. This was by the Times School Survey in 2023 and 2024. The Air Force School continues to uphold its motto: Education Empowers.