Baroness Strickland,
Countess della Catena

St Edward’s Catholic School for Boys, later known as St Edward’s College, came into being thanks to the kind generosity of Baroness Strickland, Countess della Catena, who offered the necessary financial backing to build a school given that an appropriate site was found. The College, built on British Public School ideals, offset the void left in the Maltese education system by the departure of the English Jesuits and the closure of their school, St Ignatius College in 1908.

100 Years Of History – In A Heartbeat

St Edward’s College in Malta was originally built in 1878 as the Cottonera Military Hospital, designed in the British Military Architectural style and reputedly approved by Florence Nightingale. It played a vital role during World War I, especially after the Gallipoli Campaign, earning Malta the title “The Nurse of the Mediterranean.” In 1929, the hospital was repurposed into a British-style public school through the efforts of Baroness Strickland and the colonial government.

The College opened with 29 students and gradually expanded. A former powder magazine was converted into a chapel in 1935. During World War II, the school temporarily relocated to Mdina due to its proximity to the harbor. Post-war, new classrooms and science facilities were added, including a block inaugurated in 1967.

The Junior School was established in the late 1970s in the former Surgeons’ Quarters, with further expansions in 1994 designed by architect Richard England. A Kindergarten and Nursery were added in 2007, housed in the restored Nursing Quarters. Between 2013 and 2014, the College developed a modern sports complex, including a gym within the historic St James Gate. The College’s evolution reflects Malta’s layered history, blending military, educational, and architectural heritage into a unique institution.

The Building of a New 136-Bed Military Hospital

A report proposing the building of a new 136-bed military hospital at Cottonera was submitted to the British Parliament.

Cottonera Military Hospital

Cottonera Military Hospital opened its doors to patients on 28th August. It was built on plans proposed and approved by Florence Nightingale.

Jesuit College Closes Down

Jesuit College in St Julians closes down. Students of that college, largely Anglophiles in the lingering Language Question, were known as Ignatians. Lady Strickland steps in to help in a secular college.

British Garrison

Cottonera Hospital was the main Military Hospital. Gallipoli was over by January 1916, there were very few war casualties after that. The Hospital then reverted to its role of looking after the British Garrison.

Cottonera Hospital Ceased Operations

Cottonera Hospital ceased operations, when all patients were transferred to the newly opened Mtarfa Millitary Hospital.

Deed of Foundation Signed

Sir John Philip Du Cane offers the Cottonera military Hospital to Lady Strickland for her new college. Thirty-three foundation students enter the college as boarders. DEED OF FOUNDATION on the 18th January 1929.

‘Victor Ludorum’ Sports Achievment

Silver bugle for the ‘Victor Ludorum’ sports achievment presented by 100 ‘Old Ignatians’

The Three House System

The three house system set up: Du Cane, Congreve, and Campbell

A New Chapel Was Inaugurated

A new chapel was inaugurated: the Old Magazine of the Knights’ Period was reconditioned to accommodate all students. The Chapel was consecrated to St Edward, King and Confessor on 3rd May. It is the oldest building in the College complex, constructed between 1719 and 1745 as a gunpowder magazine, part of the Cottonera Lines, and is the only one left standing today.

College Population Rises

College population rises to 80 students.

Air-Raid Precaution Corps

First students enlist in the ARP (Air-Raid Precaution) Corps.

College Evacuated

College evacuated to Mdina.

College Returned

College returned to Cottonera and work on the Middle School block started.

Laboratories

Laboratories completed.

Junior School

Married Quarters converted into the Junior School

OE Architect Richard England

Junior School designed by OE Architect Richard England.

Sports

Sports tracklaid out.

IT Suite

IT suite updated and refurbished.

Nursery, Early Years, and IBDP

Establishment of the Nursery and Early Years as a Co-Educational system and the former Sisters’ Quarters (Also known as the Headmaster’s House) into new nursery facilities. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme was introduced to St Edward’s College, offering a diploma-level course in a co-educational environment.

Co-Educational

College goes fully Co-Educational.

Welcome by the Headmaster

It is my great privilege to welcome you to St Edward’s College, Malta—a school steeped in history, tradition, and a commitment to excellence. Founded in 1929 on the site of the former Cottonera Military Hospital, our College blends the grandeur of its historic setting with a forward-looking vision for 21st-century education.

At St Edward’s, we nurture the whole child. Our academic programme is rigorous and broad, designed to inspire intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. Equally, we place great emphasis on character, service, and leadership—values that have shaped generations of Edwardians.

Our vibrant community is enriched by a strong pastoral ethos, outstanding co-curricular opportunities, and a deep respect for tradition. From the chapel housed in a former powder magazine to our state-of-the-art sports complex, every corner of our campus reflects our belief in balance: between heritage and innovation, discipline and creativity, individuality and community.

Whether you are a prospective parent, pupil, or alumnus, I invite you to explore what makes St Edward’s truly unique. We are proud of our past, confident in our present, and ambitious for our future.

Mr Nollaig Mac An Bhaird / Headmaster