For more than a century the Alexandra School, named after Princess Alexandra, the Danish wife of King Edward VII has been giving guidance and light to thousands within her walls, thus establishing its position as the ‘Beacon of the North”.
The school was founded by George May Dalzell Frederick, Archdeacon of Barbados and Rector of St. Peter. At this time there was a roll of thirty-three (33) pupils and three (3) teachers. Under the headship of Miss M. S. Arnold (1894-1908), Alexandra School occupied a three-storey building, “West End”, in Queen Street, Speightstown, St. Peter.
In 1929 the property of “Merton”, the present site, was acquired to house the school and the school motto “Per Ardua Ad Astra”-Through difficulty to the Stars, was established. During the mid-1920’s the school’s colours, royal blue and silver were chosen and students wore the first official uniform of the school. The House System was also introduced.
Ms. Sheila Ward was the 1st old scholar to take on the role of Principal from 1978 – 1980 when she was awarded the Silver Crown of Merit. The school’s P.T.A. was also inaugurated during this period. Since then the school has grown rapidly and continues to reap success.
The school became co-educational in 1984 when thirty (30) boys were enrolled. In recent years enrollment has increased and at present there are approximately 870 pupils.
During the academic year 2015/2016, the Alexandra School became Barbados’ ninth certified school for Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE). In the first year since its introduction, the school saw evidence of success in the performance of the 20 students enrolled in Unit One of the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations, with a pass rate of 100 per cent in some subject areas.
