The first foundation
Scottish teacher George Millar opened the Montego Bay Academy, answering St. James' growing need for secondary education.
Founded 1896 · Montego Bay, Jamaica
More than a century
of Men of Might.
From 21 students on Barracks Road to a celebrated institution on the hill beside the sea—this is the story of Cornwall College.
Explore our history ↓
125+
Years of excellence
Disce Aut Discede
Learn or LeaveOur beginnings
A legacy built
across generations.
The roots of Cornwall College reach back to nineteenth-century Montego Bay and a community determined to secure quality secondary education.
A new home
The academy moved to the Presbyterian House at 56 Union Street, where it continued serving the community.
A determined petition
Rev. Adam Thomson and Hon. John Kerr petitioned the Government to provide £500 for secondary education in Montego Bay.
The school is born
Montego Bay Government Secondary School opened on Barracks Road. Classes began in September with 21 students.
The hill beside the sea
After 34 acres were acquired at Pleasant Hill Estate, the school officially opened at its present location.
Cornwall College
Montego Bay Government Secondary School was renamed Cornwall College, reflecting its place within Cornwall County.
A scientific landmark
A state-of-the-art Physics Laboratory opened at a cost of £600—the first of its kind in Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean.
A new era of growth
Everald Arthurton Barrett became the first Jamaican-born headmaster. Enrollment grew to more than 650 boys.
Science pioneers · 1925
A laboratory that changed education.
Cornwall College established a state-of-the-art Physics Laboratory at a cost of £600. It helped establish the school as a leader in science education and contributed to its reputation for producing generations of doctors, pharmacists, engineers and scholars.
First of its kind
In Jamaica and the English-speaking Caribbean
Academic legacy
Excellence beyond the classroom.
Cornwall College alumni have distinguished themselves in scholarship, medicine, science, public service, engineering and enterprise throughout Jamaica and the world.
Rhodes Scholar · 1957
Professor Rex Nettleford
Scholar, cultural icon and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.
Rhodes Scholar · 1988
Dr. David McBean
Part of Cornwall College's distinguished tradition of academic achievement.
Distinguished alumnus
Leighton McKnight
Among the notable graduates who carried the Cornwall spirit into professional life.
Four Rhodes Scholars
Rex Nettleford · 1957
Vernon Wong · 1961
Ernest Milton Hew · 1964
David McBean · 1988
Sporting tradition
Champions through the ages.
Football, cricket and a deep culture of discipline have made Cornwall College one of Jamaica's most celebrated school sporting institutions.
12
DaCosta Cup titles
11
Oliver Shield titles
2×
Triple champions
The legacy continues
Honouring the past.
Building the future.
Today, Cornwall College continues its founding purpose: educating and developing young men for active service to their communities and nation. Its community remains united by academics, sport, culture and social responsibility.
Leadership
Headmasters through history.
E. V. Lockett · 1896–1903
Rev. George H. Leader · 1904–1923
Rev. E. B. Baker · 1924–1940
John Hardie · 1940–1942
Lt. Col. Norman E. Jackson · 1942–1953
Everald A. Barrett · 1953–1966
James A. W. Crick · 1966–1976
Dr. Dudley C. Stokes · 1978–1984
Noel Monteith · 1986–1990
Croswell Taylor · 1990–2004
Denham McIntyre · 2006–2014
Michael Ellis · 2018–present