St. Xavier’s School owes its origin to the vision of Shri K. P. A. Menon, IAS, whose dream of providing quality English-medium education inspired the establishment of an institution that would shape generations of students. The initiative, undertaken by The Burdwan Educational Trust, laid the foundation for what would soon become the town’s first English-medium school.
In February 1964, the Society of Jesus, Calcutta Province, formally took charge of the institution, marking the beginning of a new chapter in its history. Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Wautier, S.J., Rev. Fr. Gales, S.J., was appointed the first Headmaster on 1 February 1964. With his dynamic leadership, he fostered an atmosphere of joy, discipline, and enthusiasm. Rev. Fr. C. Vathaloor of the Burdwan Parish provided valuable support in the school's administration. Operating initially from Satyabala Bhavan with twenty-six students, the institution was nurtured by its pioneering teaching staff—Mrs. A. Saxena, Ms. Morris, Ms. Martin, Ms. Biswas, Ms. Chandi, and Mr. S. K. Saxena—whose dedication laid its strong academic foundation. Later in 1964, the school shifted to its permanent campus at 10, B. B. Ganguly Road, Burdwan, where it began to flourish. In 1966, it was renamed St. Xavier’s School, reflecting its Jesuit identity and commitment to holistic education. Over the decades, the institution has grown into a beacon of learning, inspiring generations of students through the enduring values of truth, service, and excellence.
A proposal was initially made to name the institution Christ Church School, but the lack of trained personnel for English-medium education made this difficult. Eventually, a consensus was reached to entrust the school to the Society of Jesus, Calcutta Province, already renowned for its rich educational tradition through institutions such as St. Xavier’s Collegiate School, St. Lawrence School, and St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata. Thus, St. Xavier’s School, Burdwan, became a proud member of the family of Jesuit institutions. In February 1964, the Jesuit Fathers formally took charge of the school. Under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Wautier, S.J., Rev. Fr. Gales, S.J., was appointed the first Headmaster on 1 February 1964. With his dynamic personality, he created an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm. Rev. Fr. C. Vathaloor of the Burdwan Parish extended valuable assistance in the daily administration. From Satyabala Bhavan, the school began its journey with twenty-six students. The first members of the teaching staff — Mrs. A. Saxena, Ms. Morris, Ms. Martin, Ms. Biswas, Ms. Chandi, and Mr. S. K. Saxena — laid the strong academic foundation of the institution.
On 31 January 1965, Rev. Fr. Hinq, S.J., became the second Headmaster, with Rev. Fr. Sassel, S.J., as the Assistant Headmaster. Known for his intellectual brilliance and firm leadership, Fr. Hinq ushered in a period of remarkable progress. During his tenure, the first floor of Satyabala Bhavan and the two-storey science block were constructed. The Annual School Sports, which he introduced, became a cherished tradition. On 29 May 1973, Rev. Fr. A. Crasta, S.J., assumed charge as Headmaster, assisted by Rev. Fr. Koikara, S.J. Their tenure was marked by the expansion of co-curricular activities and the introduction of the Annual School Concert, which provided a platform for students to showcase their talents. Under their guidance, the school grew into a centre of holistic education. In 1983, Rev. Fr. Michael Fohshow, S.J., took over as Headmaster. An excellent teacher of English and a talented mouth-organ player, he fostered a warm and supportive environment for the staff and introduced the tradition of teachers’ and staff picnic. On 1 April 1996, Rev. Fr. Sebastian Nallayal, S.J., became the fifth Headmaster, with Rev. Fr. Alexander, S.J., as his associate. He emphasized discipline and introduced the House System and Activity Clubs. In the same year, the SCJM Sisters took charge of the junior and middle sections. In 2000, a Syndicate Bank extension counter was opened within the school campus for the convenience of students, staff, and the local community.
On 16 June 2003, Rev. Fr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J., assumed office as the sixth Headmaster. His tenure was marked by decentralization of administration, the appointment of coordinators, and the division of the school into Primary, Secondary, and Higher Secondary sections, each under a Vice-Principal. He introduced Biotechnology at the Higher Secondary level and established a modern laboratory. In 2004, the school magazine Xpression was launched. A true alchemist of education, Fr. Maria Joseph has achieved the remarkable feat of transmuting the teaching staff into tech-savvy professionals. In adapting to the demands of the modern era, he has woven a tapestry of innovation and progress, a testament to his commitment to keeping the flame of knowledge burning brightly. During the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fr. Maria Joseph emerged as a modern-day Hercules, displaying commendable efforts in ensuring uninterrupted education for the students. His proactive approach, showcased a dedication to their learning and growth that transcended the challenges of the times. Moreover, Fr. Maria Joseph has initiated exchange programs. Collaborations in Kolkata and Darjeeling have become portals to diverse cultures and experiences, expanding the horizons of the students.
Continuing its tradition of growth and excellence, St. Xavier's School entered another significant phase of development under the visionary leadership of Rev. Fr. Maria Joseph Savariappan, S.J. Recognising the importance of providing a dedicated and enriching environment for its youngest learners, he initiated the construction of a modern Pre-Primary Building, reflecting the institution's commitment to holistic education from the very beginning of a child's academic journey. The Ground-Breaking Ceremony for this landmark project was held on 29 April 2025 in the presence of Jesuit Fathers, members of the school management, staff, students, and well-wishers. The occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter in the school's continuing pursuit of academic excellence and infrastructural development. Designed with the needs of early childhood education in mind, the new building incorporates spacious classrooms, child-friendly learning spaces, and modern facilities that foster creativity, curiosity, and joyful learning. Every aspect of the structure has been planned to create a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where young minds can flourish.
Today, the building stands on the threshold of completion, symbolising not merely an expansion of the campus but a reaffirmation of the school's enduring mission to provide quality education rooted in the Jesuit ideals of faith, service, and excellence. As St. Xavier's School looks towards the future, this new Pre-Primary Building will remain a lasting testament to the foresight and dedication of Rev. Fr. Maria Joseph Savariappan , S.J., and to the institution's unwavering commitment to nurturing generations of Xavierites.
Further strengthening its commitment to the holistic development of its students, St. Xavier's School added a modern Basketball Court to its campus, providing a dedicated space for sports, physical fitness, and character formation. The facility reflects the institution's enduring belief that education extends beyond the classroom, fostering discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The Basketball Court was solemnly blessed and inaugurated on 30 April 2025 by Rev. Fr. Dr. Maria Joseph Savariappan, S.J., Superior and Principal, in the gracious presence of Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J., Rev. Fr. Anmol Minz, S.J., Bro. Christuraj, S.J., members of the staff, and students. The occasion marked yet another milestone in the school's journey of growth and infrastructural development. Since its inauguration, the court has become a vibrant centre of sporting activities, encouraging students to cultivate their athletic talents while imbibing the Jesuit values of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and fair play. It stands as a lasting symbol of the institution's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who strive for excellence in every sphere of life.
As part of its continuing commitment to academic excellence and innovation, St. Xavier's School, Burdwan, established Aloysius Gonzaga Hall, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics. Conceived as a centre for experiential learning, the hall has been designed to nurture scientific inquiry, technological creativity, and innovation among students, equipping them with the skills required for the rapidly evolving digital world. The hall was formally inaugurated and blessed on 7 July 2026 by Rev. Fr. Dr. Maria Joseph Savariappan, S.J., Superior and Principal, who also dedicated the facility in honour of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the patron saint of youth and students. The occasion was graced by the presence of distinguished Jesuit Fathers and religious dignitaries, including Rev. Fr. Dr. G. Paul Arockiam, S.J. (Principal, St. Xavier's College, Burdwan), Rev. Fr. Anmol Minz, S.J., Rev. Fr. Narendra Singh, S.J., Sr. Philisitas Lakra, SCJM, Scholastic Manish Tirkey, S.J., and Scholastic Santosh Murmu, S.J.
Aloysius Gonzaga Hall stands as a significant milestone in the school's infrastructural and academic development. More than a modern learning space, it reflects St. Xavier's School's vision of integrating technology with values-based education, inspiring students to cultivate innovation, critical thinking, collaboration, and responsible leadership. The facility embodies the institution's unwavering pursuit of excellence while remaining rooted in the Jesuit ideals of service, knowledge, and the holistic formation of young minds.
In the grand narrative of St. Xavier's School, Fr. Maria Joseph's chapter is an epic, where his leadership, like the guiding stars of the ancients, continues to illuminate the path of knowledge and growth for generations to come. The school has also been blessed by the guidance of several dedicated Jesuit Fathers, including Rev. Fr. Alexander, Rev. Fr. Mangaldas, Rev. Fr. Jacob, Rev. Fr. Siluvai, and Rev. Fr. Robson, whose contributions have enriched its holistic development. The Scouts and Guides movement, started under their leadership, has grown into a vibrant activity.
St. Xavier's School has been honoured by visits from eminent personalities. In 1972, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi landed on the school grounds by helicopter. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the campus served as a camp for 350 Indian army infantry brigades. Eminent dignitaries, graced the school during this critical period, including Mr. Robert Macknamara of the World Bank and Mr. Siddhartha Sankar Ray, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, elevating the school's stature to legendary heights.
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