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The Overseas School of Colombo (OSC) has a distinguished history dating back to 1957, when its
founders – representatives from foreign diplomatic missions and leaders of the local business community – established the Colombo School for Overseas Children. The School was envisioned to support students in navigating the transitions between diverse international education systems. Over the years, OSC evolved and expanded across several locations before settling in Pelawatte, Battaramulla. The current campus harmoniously integrates modern facilities with the surrounding natural environment. Today, OSC stands as a model of educational excellence and inclusivity, celebrating a legacy shaped by generations of dedicated individuals.
The Colombo School for Overseas Children was founded – it is Sri Lanka’s oldest internationally accredited educational institution and was located at Queen’s Street in Colombo Fort.
The School leased the “Rippleworth” premises at Turret Road (Dharmapala Mawatha) in Colombo 03, which came to be known as the Upper School.
The School in Fort had 100 children, while the Upper School at Rippleworth had about 72 children.
The School gained accreditation by the International Schools Association in Geneva, Switzerland.
School relocated to 51, Muttiah Road in Colombo 02 (Rivington).
The School changed its name to Overseas Children’s School (OCS).
– The School relocated to its current address in Pelawatte, Battaramulla and the new campus was designed by the legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa as a next-to-nature facility with all modern amenities.
– The School obtained accreditation from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Organisation as an IB World School, capable of offering the IB Diploma Programme.
The School received further accreditations from Council of International Schools (CIS) and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).
The gymnasium was declared open.
The swimming pool was opened to staff and students.
The School took its present name – The Overseas School of Colombo.
A performance arts facility was built.
The School introduced its Week Without Walls (WWW) programme – now known as Experience Sri Lanka! where for one whole week, the great outdoors is transformed into one big classroom.
A new sports facility was inaugurated.
OSC’s Mother Tongue programme was first introduced, offering Hindi lessons to our students. The programme has now grown into a full-fledged offering of eight different languages.
Navigating the challenges of COVID-19, OSC pioneered a successful Distance Learning Plan, ensuring a seamless shift from physical to virtual classrooms.
– The School’s outdoor basketball court was re-laid with a state-of-the-art, FIBA-approved playing surface.
– The Secondary and Middle School laboratories received a modern facelift.
– OSC made history as the first school in Sri Lanka to receive the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
– OSC becomes the first-ever IB School globally to receive an ARC Award. The School clinched a Silver Award at the 36th Annual ARC Awards in New York for its 2020/21 Annual Report, themed Our “A-Team” Brings Its “A-Game” to School.
– OSC achieved a milestone by formalising its DEIJB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Justice, and Belonging) policy.
– The completion of the New Front Entrance and Security Building Project marked a significant milestone.
– The Overseas School of Colombo became the first and only school worldwide to receive the prestigious MSA Programme of Distinction in Sustainability.
– OSC won Gold at the 38th International ARC Awards for its 2022/23 Annual Report, themed “1957 – 2022: Our Progressive Spirit Continues”.
