Madras College

Madras College in its present form is the amalgamation of two St. Andrews Schools.

The first took place in 1833 when the old grammar school was joined with the English School to form the original Madras College. At the time of building , it was the largest building to be created in St. Andrews since the Reformation. The Scottish building on South Street served as a secondary school for St. Andrews and beyond until l889, when the burgh School in Abbey Walk was erected by the School Board. From then on, the two schools existed side by side in the town. In l963, when Fife Council decided that all secondary schools should become comprehensive the Burgh School and Madras College were joined to form the present School.

The focus of restoration is not the north front but the cloistered quadrangle behind the School. Presently, the Quad presents a picture of what destruction can be caused by erosion and wind currents. In its original form, it was spectacular and impressive. Students, teachers, and the Public walk through this distinctive part of the school daily and are able to cast their eyes on daily evidence of erosion at the bottom of the pillars.

The Council's present budgets do not allow for any expensive cosmetic work, of the type involved in the proposed restoration of the Quad. Therefore a Fund has been set up to tackle this problem.

The Citizens of St. Andrews believe in helping save the historic Quad, and donations are already being made. A total of £60,000 needs to be raised.

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