The Cathedral and John Connon School is among the most recognised names a family encounters when researching education in the city, and it appears on our Mumbai city hub as one of the landmark South Mumbai schools. Founded in 1860 by the Anglo-Scottish Education Society and named in part after the philanthropist John Connon, it now runs five sections from pre primary to senior school in Fort. Unusually, it offers families a choice between the Indian ICSE and ISC examinations and the international IGCSE, IB Diploma and Advanced Placement routes.
This profile is an independent reference page. GlobalSchoolGuide does not accept payment for coverage, and Cathedral appears here because it is a real school parents ask about, not because it paid to be listed. We researched the facts below from the school and public sources at the time of writing, and mark anything we could not confirm as not published.
At a glance
Curriculum and academics
Cathedral runs an integrated programme through to Grade 8, after which families choose their route. At the Grade 10 stage students sit either the Indian ICSE examinations or the Cambridge IGCSE, and in Grades 11 and 12 the choice widens to the Indian School Certificate, the IB Diploma Programme or Advanced Placement courses. That spread of national and international qualifications under one roof is rare in the city and lets a family settle on a pathway that matches whether they expect to stay in India or move abroad.
The dual track is the school's defining strength for relocating parents. A family planning a return overseas can take the globally portable IGCSE and IB Diploma route, while a family settling in India can follow the well regarded ICSE and ISC path. The school has a long academic record across both. Parents weighing the international senior route can read our IB curriculum guide to see how the Diploma compares with the ISC and AP alternatives.
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Cathedral and John Connon School fees
Where Cathedral sits on our Mumbai international school fees guide depends entirely on the stream. The Indian ICSE and ISC route is affordable and sits well below the city's international schools, while the international IGCSE, IB Diploma and AP stream costs more, though it remains below the largest dedicated international campuses in the suburbs. This makes the school one of the more cost effective ways to access an international qualification in South Mumbai. Treat the figures as bands rather than a quote, and confirm the current schedule with the school, since fees are revised every year.
Tuition is only part of the budget. Expect a one time admission charge when a place is taken, and examination fees in the senior years that differ between the ISC, the IGCSE, the IB Diploma and AP, with the international examinations the more expensive. Books, uniforms and activities add to the annual figure. Use the school finder or our fee tools to set the Cathedral streams against the dedicated international schools you may also be considering.
Admissions
Cathedral follows the Indian academic year, and the principal entry point is the infant or pre primary stage, where most places are offered. Admission here is heavily oversubscribed given the school's standing, and the process is confirmed in the months before the start of the year. The school asks for the standard documentation and an age appropriate interaction at the entry stage rather than a formal test.
Places further up the school depend on a child leaving, so mid year and later entry cannot be relied upon, particularly into the international streams where group sizes are set. Families relocating to Mumbai with their sights on Cathedral should apply as early as they can and ask the school directly about availability in the grade and stream they need.
Location and who goes there
The school sits in Fort, the historic civic and commercial heart of South Mumbai, near the Esplanade and its landmark nineteenth century buildings. The location places it within reach of Colaba, Churchgate and Nariman Point, which suits families living in the south of the city who want a school steeped in the old town rather than a commute to the suburban international campuses.
The intake is predominantly drawn from established South Mumbai families, with the international streams attracting households that want a portable qualification without leaving the city centre. Expatriate families who choose Cathedral tend to value its location and its dual curriculum. For the wider picture of where international families settle across Mumbai and the schools near them, see the Mumbai city hub.
Reviews
We do not yet have verified parent reviews for the Cathedral and John Connon School. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish reviews only once we can confirm they come from real families. If your child attends or has attended Cathedral, we would value your first hand account. Share your experience through the school reviews hub and help the next relocating family decide with better information.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Cathedral and John Connon School fees?
The Indian ICSE and ISC route sits well below the international curriculum schools on our Mumbai fees guide, while the IGCSE and IB Diploma international stream costs more, though still below the largest dedicated international campuses. A one time admission charge and examination fees in the senior years apply. Confirm the current schedule with the school, as fees are revised each year.
Is Cathedral and John Connon School a good school?
Cathedral is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in India, founded in 1860, with a long record across both the Indian and international examinations. Whether it is the right fit depends on which curriculum stream you want, your child's stage and where you live. We do not publish a rating without verified reviews.
What curriculum does Cathedral and John Connon School follow?
The school teaches an integrated programme to Grade 8, then offers ICSE or IGCSE to Grade 10, followed by ISC, the IB Diploma Programme or Advanced Placement in Grades 11 and 12, so families can choose an Indian or international route.
When do Cathedral and John Connon School applications open?
Admissions follow the Indian academic year, with the principal entry at the infant stage confirmed in the months beforehand. Demand far exceeds places, so families should apply early and ask about availability in their child's grade.
Where is Cathedral and John Connon School located?
The school is in Fort, the historic heart of South Mumbai near the Esplanade, within reach of Colaba, Churchgate and the southern business district.
