OVERVIEW
In the early 18th century, Jamaica’s then-acting Lieutenant governor, Peter Beckford, left 1,000 pounds sterling in his will to build a free school for the poor.
This free school of St Jago de-la Vega opened its doors in 1744 and catered to high school boys.
The Smith's Charity School was opened in 1833 after the honourable Francis Smith left three thousand (3,000) pounds sterling to establish a school.
Following the school’s establishment, the Smith’s Charity School merged with the Free School of St Jago de-la Vega to become Beckford and Smith High School for Boys in 1846.
Later, Archbishop Nuttal established The Cathedral High School for Girls in 1897. The events did not stop there, as the Cathedral High School for Girls amalgamated with the Beckford and Smith High School for Boys in 1958.
Reverting to a name closer to the original, the institution was named St Jago High School.
This distinguished institution is one of the oldest continuously operating schools in the Western Hemisphere.
Following the numerous stages of development, the school has moved from the corner of Young and Beckford Streets, the grounds of the St James Cathedral, and the Old Assembly Buildings in the Spanish Town square to its current location: 33 Monk Street on grounds formally known as Ravensworth.
Today in its 280th year, St Jago continues to excel in academics, the sporting arena, and the arts and live by its motto, Labor Omnia Vincit. St Jago High continues to create a nourishing environment for our youth’s development and continued educational growth.
