History’s Most Famous Schools

Throughout history, schools have served as the cradles of knowledge, shaping societies, fostering innovation, and even courting controversy. From ancient institutions of learning to modern-day powerhouses of education, certain schools have achieved fame for their historical significance, notable alumni, groundbreaking ideas, or their unique approach.

Here, we take a journey through a selection of some of history’s most famous schools, exploring their unique stories and enduring legacies.

Founded by the philosopher Plato in circa 387 BC, the Academy of Athens is widely regarded as the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Located in a grove dedicated to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, the Academy was more than just a school; it was a hub for philosophical discourse and intellectual development. Plato’s teachings laid the groundwork for Western philosophy, influencing students such as Aristotle, who would go on to form his own renowned school, the Lyceum. Though the Academy was closed by the Roman Emperor Justinian in 529 AD, its intellectual legacy persists, symbolising the enduring value of critical thought and inquiry.

Founded in 427 AD in present-day Bihar, India’s Nalanda University is believed to be the world’s first residential university. Thought to have accommodated as many as 10,000 students and 2,000 teachers at its peak, Nalanda was renowned for its vast library, enlightened approach, and wide curriculum, from medicine and astronomy to philosophy and Buddhist studies. It was associated with some of the era’s most eminent figures, including the “father of Indian mathematics,” Aryabhata, and Buddhist masters like Dharmapala. Destroyed in invasions in the 12th century, its archaeological remains are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, collectively referred to as Oxbridge, are among the oldest and most renowned institutions of higher education in the world, with histories spanning over 800 years. They are noted for their contributions to academic advancement and their distinctive collegiate systems. Alumni include notable figures in politics, science, and the arts, such as Isaac Newton and Oscar Wilde.

Recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest existing, continually operating institution of learning, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin was founded in 859 AD. Originally established as a mosque, it became a leading educational center in the Islamic world. Al-Qarawiyyin specialised in religious instruction but also covered subjects like grammar, mathematics, music, and astronomy. The university played a crucial role in the transmission of knowledge between Islamic and European civilisations, particularly during the Middle Ages.

The University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in continuous operation in the Western world. Founded in 1088, it became a model for other medieval universities across Europe. Initially focused on teaching canon and civil law, Bologna expanded its curriculum over the centuries to include the arts, medicine, and science. Notable alumni include Dante Alighieri, the author of The Divine Comedy, and Nicolaus Copernicus, the astronomer who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system.

No list of famous schools would be complete without mentioning Eton College. Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI, this British boarding school has educated numerous British Prime Ministers, members of the royal family, and influential figures in various fields. Related to this is Harrow School. Established in 1572, Harrow is notable for its long-standing traditions and distinguished alumni, including Winston Churchill.

Frequently ranked as the world’s best university, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the US. Founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it was named after its first benefactor, Puritan minister John Harvard. Having begun as a small college training clergy, it’s grown into a world-renowned institution that has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and leaders in government, science, and the arts. Its past students range from the 2nd President of the United States John Adams to Academy Award winner Natalie Portman.

While not a historical school in the conventional sense, Cheiron’s School of Heroes occupies a unique place in Greek mythology. It was here that heroes like Achilles, Hercules, and Jason were trained by the wise centaur Cheiron.

Known as the “School of Kings,” Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland has a reputation as the most expensive boarding school in the world. Founded in 1880, Le Rosey’s alumni include royalty, business magnates, and celebrities.

During the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD), China experienced a cultural and intellectual flourishing, with education playing a central role in societal advancement. Among the most prominent institutions of this era were the Four Great Academies: Yuelu Academy, Bailudong Academy, Songyang Academy, and Ying Tianfu Academy. These academies became legendary for their scholarly pursuits, philosophical debates, and their role in shaping Confucian thought.

It may be fictional, but since the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 1997, Hogwarts has become one of the most famous schools in popular culture.

From ancient academies to modern universities, schools have mirrored the values and aspirations of their societies. Collectively, these institutions highlight the transformative power of education in shaping cultures and history.