La Martiniere College Lucknow: Best ICSE School Guide for Lucknow Parents

Looking for top ICSE schools in Lucknow? La Martiniere College is Lucknow's most prestigious boys' school, established in 1845 with a legendary history. Located on a stunning heritage campus near Gomti Nagar, this CISCE-affiliated institution offers Nursery to Class 12 education with boarding facilities. Perfect guide for Lucknow parents seeking the best schooling options for their sons.

About La Martiniere College Lucknow

La Martiniere College opened on 1st October 1845 through the will of Major General Claude Martin, a French-born adventurer who died in Lucknow in 1800. Born in Lyon in 1735, Martin served the East India Company, rose to Major General rank, and became colonial India's richest European. His will created schools in Lyon, Calcutta, and Lucknow, preserving his grand Constantia House (built 1796) as "a school for young men learning English and Christian religion."

After Privy Council legal battles, the Supreme Court approved its establishment in 1841. Starting with 70 boys, today it serves 4,000+ students from Nursery to ISC Class 12. Founder's Day (13 September) and Constantia Day (1 October) celebrate its heritage. Affiliated to CISCE (ICSE Class 10, ISC Class 12), the school maintains English-medium instruction.

Ranking and Achievements

La Martiniere holds unique global distinction:

• World's only school awarded "Defence of Lucknow 1857" battle honours – students defended Residency during 1857 siege
• President of India issued Rs 2 stamp (1995, 150th anniversary)
• Alumni include Vir Chakra winners (Keelor brothers, 1965 war), Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Rajendra Pachauri
• Produced soldiers, IAS officers, engineers, doctors through World Wars and Indian conflicts

The school consistently achieves 90%+ ICSE/ISC pass rates with Lucknow toppers annually.

Courses Offered and Fee Structure

La Martiniere provides complete schooling from Nursery to Class 12 through CISCE curriculum:

1. Classes: Nursery to ISC (+2)
   Streams: Science, Commerce, Humanities (ISC)
   Medium: English
2. Annual Fees (approximate, confirm with school):
   Day Scholars: ₹1.2-1.8 lakh/year
   Boarders/Foundationers: ₹50,000-80,000/year (subsidised by Martin's endowment)
3. Foundationers (needy students) get tuition, boarding, uniform at nominal rates – regardless of religion, per Founder's will.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nursery-KG: Age 3-5 years, interaction/assessment
  Class 1-9: 70-80% marks, entrance test + interview
  Class 11 ISC: 80%+ in Class 10 (ICSE/CBSE/State), stream alignment
• Boarding: Limited seats prioritising Foundationers (orphans/needy) + merit students.

La Martiniere College

Simple merit-based process for Lucknow parents:

• Take admission forms from the school office (January-March announcements). 
• Submit birth certificate, marksheets, Transfer Certificate. 
• Let your child appear for a written test + parent-teacher interaction. 
• Merit lists displayed on the notice board. 
• Pay fees to confirm seat.

Infrastructure and Campus Life

Constantia Campus centres around Claude Martin's 1796 architectural masterpiece – a "wedding cake in brick" blending Gothic-Baroque styles. The Founder's crypt lies beneath Memorial Hall honouring war martyrs.

Facilities include Junior Campus (Nursery-Class 4), Senior Campus (Class 5-12), 15,000+ book library, century-old Chapel with pipe organ, Spence/Sykes Halls, computer labs, swimming pool (1860), 12 tennis courts, extensive playfields (cricket Fairydale, football Polo Ground), air-conditioned canteen. 

Campus life features daily Chapel parades, khaki uniform tradition (since 1857), cultural fests, Sports Day, legal relaxation spots like "Bull's Ring."

Faculty

Dedicated principals and masters maintain La Martiniere's military heritage while nurturing talent. Faculty hold advanced degrees from Delhi University, Allahabad University, with decades of CISCE experience. Sports coaches, music teachers, and alumni ensure holistic development matching the school's global reputation.

Who Should Consider La Martiniere College for Admission

Ideal for Lucknow parents seeking:

• Historic prestige + CISCE excellence for sons
• Discipline and leadership training (1857 military legacy)
• Affordable boarding via Foundationer scheme
• Elite alumni network (armed forces, civil services, global careers)
• Heritage campus near Gomti Nagar, Hazratganj

Who Should Not Choose La Martiniere College

Consider other Lucknow schools if:

• Seeking co-education (boys-only)
• Prefer CBSE/State board over ICSE/ISC
• Need modern sports academies
• Want ultra-contemporary infrastructure over heritage
• Daughters' schooling (try La Martiniere Girls' College)

La Martiniere College Lucknow delivers unmatched heritage, discipline, and academic excellence since 1845. From 1857 battle honours to Nobel alumni, this Lucknow landmark shapes confident leaders. With Constantia's timeless beauty, proven results, and central location, La Martiniere remains the top ICSE boys' school choice for discerning Lucknow parents.

Visit: Constantia Campus, La Martiniere Estate, Lucknow | Call: 0522-2950496