The name "Wycherley" resonates across generations as a hallmark of quality education and timeless values. Established on 7 th January 1985, Wycherley International School began as a bold response to the growing need for English-medium education in Sri Lanka. The school took root in the historic building that once housed Dr. R. L. Spittel’s “Wycherley Nursing Home” at 232, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, a site whose name it proudly continues.
The school’s first day was marked not by grand celebration, but by the quiet lighting of a traditional oil lamp, setting the tone for a culture grounded in simplicity and purpose. With just 100 students and 40 staff members, Wycherley began its journey, offering classes from Nursery to Grade 8.
By 1986, Wycherley had expanded to Grade 12 and by 1988, senior classes moved to Queens Road, Colombo 3, allowing both the Junior and High Schools to grow with enhanced facilities science laboratories, libraries and multiple parallel classrooms.
In 1996, the school marked its 10th anniversary with a student body of over 1,000 and a growing reputation for academic excellence, particularly in UK Ordinary Level and Advanced evel examinations under the Cambridge system.
As the new millennium dawned, Wycherley stood apart for its commitment to multicultural harmony, with English as the common medium and a deep respect for Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity.
In the years that followed, Wycherley underwent a remarkable transformation:
Today, Wycherley continues to be recognized for its outstanding academic performance, with students consistently achieving world prizes, 100% pass rates and top-tier A-Level results. Many alumni have progressed to prestigious global universities such as Cambridge, Sheffield, Nottingham and the National University of Singapore.
This success is built on the dedication of Wycherley’s experienced academic team, many of whom have been with the school for decades. Their deep subject knowledge, consistent mentorship, and unwavering commitment to student success have been instrumental in shaping generations of achievers. Teachers are locally qualified, trilingual, and dedicated to helping every student achieve their full potential.
The school’s multicultural environment allows students of all ethnicities and religions to blend harmoniously, learning from one another in an atmosphere of mutual respect. English remains the academic language, while Sinhala, Tamil, French, German and more are also taught to support a truly international education.
Now in its 40th year, Wycherley International School stands proudly as a private, coeducational institution that bridges tradition with innovation. Its motto “Tradition - Education – Excellence” continues to define its mission.
With a clear vision for the future, Wycherley is preparing its students not just for exams, but for life - equipping them with the knowledge, values and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world.
No. 232, Bauddhaloka Mw, Colombo 07
T : +94777730730
E : admissions@wis.lk
No. 05, Mudungoda, Miriswatta, Gampaha
T : +94770037037
E : admissions@wisgampaha.lk
13, 15, 17 Sri Maha Bodhi Road, Dehiwala
T : +94777583841
E : info@wisdehiwala.lk
