Amidst the flurry of excitement, it's an opportune time to reflect on our past while looking forward to the bright future that lies ahead. Throughout the decades, Knox has stood as a beacon of learning, shaping young minds and nurturing talents in various spheres of life.

Our history dates back to 1923, when the School’s founders purchased Earlston House, the place where the Headmaster and six boarders would call home. Classes were held here until the School officially opened its gates to 28 students in 1924.

Picture in your minds the mixture of excitement and nervousness that accompanied those students 100 years ago. They were young pioneers who would become the architects of a legacy, contributing to the formation of what would evolve into the School we are so proud to be part of today.

In our century-long commitment to education, we recognise that academic progress is inseparable from the cultivation of character, a feature of a Knox education espoused by our founding Headmaster, Mr Neil MacNeil.

"… the real ends of education lie in a higher world than can be set down on paper. I should regard it as a calamity if the efficiency of the School were judged merely by an examination standard. We must continually strive to keep our minds upon the ultimate facts of character and moral worth if we are to do our work properly …"

"If the boys here learn to overcome difficulties and to form habits of work, they will be well on the way to accomplish the hardest task of all, which is self-mastery," said Mr MacNeil.

Embracing his educational vision, Knox Grammar School still believes that fostering character is the bedrock of empowering young men to navigate a dynamic world with resilience, integrity, and purpose.

Our dedication to the holistic development of young children stands as a testament to our timeless values. We aim to ensure that as our students progress academically, they concurrently evolve into compassionate, principled, and responsible members of society.

Without the dedication and foresight of our founders and Headmaster, Mr MacNeil, the rich history we cherish today would not have been possible. Their legacy lives on through the countless achievements and successes of our alumni, and their spirit continues to guide us as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the present and future.

As we revel in the excitement of our centenary year, there has been a palpable anticipation for the array of events and celebrations planned. The School Musical extravaganza, Jersey Boys, captivated audiences with its timeless tunes and riveting performances, showcasing the immense talent within our Knox community.

The pièce de résistance undoubtedly lay in the grandeur of the Knox Centenary Tattoo – a fitting homage to our Scottish heritage. As bagpipes resonated through the air and tartan-clad pipers and drummers, cadets, musicians, and talented performers took centre stage, there was a sense of pride in honouring our roots in a spectacle that paid tribute to tradition, courage, and resilience.

As we embark on this historic journey together, let us cherish the memories of the past, embrace the opportunities of the present, and envision the possibilities of the future. Here's to a century of excellence, camaraderie, and unwavering spirit – and to the countless chapters yet to be written in the annals of Knox's illustrious history.

Gala Day is such a great event where the wider Knox community comes together to enjoy a vibrant day of live music, market stalls and entertainment, and we look forward to celebrating with the community.

Keep an eye on our Gala Day website and social media for the latest information.

The show, which featured 14 diverse and stunning acts and more than 800 performers, was held in the arena of Quaycentre on Saturday 1 June, many months of planning, composing and rehearsing came to life for the audience of thousands of Knox community members.

“It was a fitting way to celebrate Knox's 100 years, showcasing the unique spirit and rich tapestry of our school's traditions,” says Headmaster Scott James.

Read more about the Tattoo, and see photos and a video recap by clicking here.

On Saturday 15 June Knox hosted the opening round of the 2024 CAS competition, with some of the relatives of those first boys in attendance.

In an interesting turn of fate, at that first game in 1924 Knox emerged victorious with a 31-0 win, and on 15 June 2024 the final score was 31-10.

Thank you to Cranbrook for an exciting commemorative game.

Click here to see images and video from this event.

Jersey Boys was an incredible opportunity to showcase the awe-inspiring capabilities of our young artists.

Director and choreographer Tanya Mitford said that the Knox production of Jersey Boys "showcased the power and potential of a group of young people, passionate about their performing arts, who collaborate and support each other with fierce determination, and along the way, as they are guided by the right people, happen to achieve global greatness in their field, from their start in the 1950s right through to the present day."

In the final week of Term 2 students in the Wellbeing and Social Justice Portfolio Learning Teams held a push-up challenge to spread awareness about the importance of taking care of mental health through exercise.

Click here to read more. 

The Thistle is published twice per year and contains items of current, general and historical interest, as well as news from Old Boys. 

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