Armorial of schools in the United Kingdom explained

The official and historical coat of arms or 'full heraldic achievement' for UK schools, as granted by the College of Arms or Lyon Court, are presented herewith. For some schools, the full heraldic achievement (shield, crest, mantling and sometimes also supporters and motto) is displayed; for others just the escutcheon (shield) is shown.

Schools in England

See Armorial of schools in England

Schools in Northern Ireland

ImageDetails
align=center Ballymena, granted 3 December 1958Escutcheon: Argent, a humet azure between in chief two dexter hands and in base an ant gules.
Crest: On a wreath argent, azure and gules, In front of a demi badger proper, an ancient lamp Or enflamed, also proper.
Motto: Tenax Proposti[1] (Firm of Purpose)
align=center Bangor Grammar, granted 8 July 1954Escutcheon: Azure, within two bendlets, as many bendlets dancettee, all between two mullets Or; a bordure of the last.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours, A griffin couchant, wings elevated and addorsed, Or.
Motto: Justitiae Tenax[2] (Tenacious of Justice)
align=center Campbell, granted 30 September 1955Escutcheon: Gyronny of eight Or and sable, an open book proper, bound gules, edged and clasped gold; on a chief also gules a lion passant guardant of the first supporting with the dexter forepaw an ancient Irish bell argent.
Crest: On a wreath argent and sable, In front of an Irish bell tower Or, a boar passant sable, armed and langued gold, charged on the body with a trefoil slipped argent.
Motto: Ne Obliviscaris[3] (Do not Forget)
align=center Foyle, granted 31 March 1949Escutcheon: Quarterly argent, sable, azure and of the first, a cross quarterly gules and of the first between, in the first quarter a sword erect of the fourth, in the second quarter a tower of the first, in the third quarter a harp Or stringed of the first, and in the fourth quarter a hand appaumee couped at the wrist of the fourth.
Crest: On a wreath Or and gules, A demi lion argent charged with a trefoil slipped vert and holding between the paws an open book proper, edged Or, thereon the figures 1617 gules.
Motto: Ne Unquam Cesseris[4] (Never Give Up)
Note: Foyle College revised the school emblem/ 'crest' in 2011
align=center Glenlola Collegiate, granted 20 September 1961Escutcheon: Azure, in base two bars wavy argent, issuant therefrom a cygnet rousant proper.
Motto: Nisi Dominus Frustra[5] (Without the Lord, everything is in vain)
align=center Portadown College, granted 12 March 1962Escutcheon: Argent, in chief between two lions rampant per fess gules and azure an ancient lamp of the last enflamed gules, and in base a like lion between two lozenges also gules.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours, In front of a griffin's head argent, beaked .gules, between two wings silver, three lozenges also gules.
Motto: Fortiter Et Humaniter[6] (With Courage and Courtesy)
align=center Portora Royal (closed 2016), granted 2 February 1954Escutcheon: Or, on a fesse sable between in chief an open book proper, edged gules, bound and inscribed with the Roman numerals MDCVIII of the second, and in base - a castle also proper, flying therefrom a banner of St. George, a harp between two fleurs-de-lys Or.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours, A stag trippant proper, collared with a chain reflexed over the back Or, supporting with the dexter foreleg a staff of the last, flying therefrom a banner sable charged with a mural crown gold.
Motto: Omnes Honorate[7] (Honour All)
align=center Royal Academical, granted 3 August 1951Escutcheon: Sable, between two Doric columns Or an open book proper, edged and bound of the second and inscribed in fesse with the Roman numerals MDCCCX of the first, in chief the Crown of Hanover gold.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours, A seahorse erect Or supporting a torch of the last inflamed gold
Motto: Quaerere Verum[8] (Search for the Truth)
align=center Victoria, granted 27 April 1951Escutcheon: Per pale sanguine and sable, on the dexter a harp Or and on the sinister an open book proper, edged and bound gold; a chief vair, thereon a pale azure charged with a bee argent.
Motto: Honor Fidelitas Praemium[9] (Esteem is the Reward of Virtue)

Schools in Scotland

ImageDetails
align=center Cults Academy, Aberdeen granted 18 June 18, 1966Escutcheon: Argent, on a pale Gules two open books of the First, bindings and fore-edges Vert in chief and in base, accompanied by two sheaves each of three holly leaves of the Third, banded of the Second, in dexter and sinister chief, and surmounting in base two arrows fessways of the Second, feathered of the Third, the lower contournee, all surmounted of a fess wavy Azure, foam flecked of the First.
align=center Denny High, granted 22 April 1965Escutcheon: Parted per pale, dexter, per fess Azure and Vert, between a fess enarched Argent, masoned Sable, a demi-angel issuant from the fess Proper, attired Argent, celestially crowned and wings elevated Or, and in base a pale wavy Argent charged of two pallets wavy Azure; sinister, Argent, between a roundel embattled Sable voided of the field, in the honour point and a cinquefoil Gules in base, two palm branches slipped saltirewise Vert, and in chief an open book Or, fore-edges and binding Gules.
Motto: Summa Peto[10] (Aim High)
align=center Dundee High, granted 21 April 1938Escutcheon: 1st Gules, a celestial crown Or. 2nd Azure, the crosier of the Abbot of Lindores Or, surmounted of a saltire couped Argent. 3rd Azure a pot of three growing lilies Argent. 4th Or, a Doric Portico of four columns sable.
Motto: Prestante Domino[11] (With God As Our Guide)
align=center Eastwood High School, Newton Mearns, granted 12 August 1965Escutcheon: Per chevron Argent and Azure; on a chevron Gules, fimbriated Or, between two oak-trees eradicated Proper, fructed of the Fourth, in chief, and a cogwheel winged Argent accompanied by a sun also of the First all in base, three open books Argent, lettering, binding and edges Sable, alternately with crosses pattée also Argent
Motto: Floreat Labore (May work flourish)
align=center Fettes, granted 16 December 1916Escutcheon: Or, a chevron between two mullets in chief and a cross crosslet fitched in base Gules.
Crest: A bee volant Proper.
Supporters: On the dexter side a lion Gules and on the sinister a stag Proper, gorged with a collar to which is affixed a chain passing between the fore legs and reflexed over the back Or.
Motto: Industria[12] (Work Hard)
align=center George Heriot's, Edinburgh, granted 3 January 1917 (adopted from arms of school founder)Escutcheon: Argent, on a fess Azure three cinquefoils of the field, in base a mullet Sable.
Crest: A cornucopia Proper.
Motto: I Distribute Chearfullie[13]
align=center Glasgow Academy, granted at unknown dateEscutcheon: The Bishop's Mitre of Saint Mungo on the upper left to represent the City of Glasgow, the Lion which represents Scotland on the upper right, the torch of learning on the lower right and three crosses of sacrifice chosen to recall "the perpetual mainspring of the school, the spirit of sacrifice and service" on the lower left. The school colours are heraldically represented originally as azure (blue) and argent (silver).
Motto: Serva Fidem (Keep the Faith)
align=center Glasgow High, granted 9 February 1919Escutcheon: Argent, on a mount in base an oak tree, the stem at the base surmounted of a salmon on its back with a signet ring in its mouth, on the top of the tree a redbreast and in the sinister fess point an ancient hand bell proper, on a chief Gules an open book also proper, leaved or between two wreaths of laurel Gold.
Motto: Sursum Semper[14] (Always Aim High)
align=center Trinity, Glenalmond, granted 15 September 1898Escutcheon: Silver saltire cross on the blue ground of Saint Andrew, the national arms of Scotland. The fleur-de-lys is the emblem of the Trinity, while the sun and crescents are taken from the arms of Lothian and Buccleuch respectively.
Motto: Soirbheachadh le Gleann Anuinn (Prosperity be to Glenalmond)
align=center Gordonstoun, granted 9 August 1957Escutcheon: Or a Lymphad contournée ramheaded and fishtail enarched Vert biremed oars Gules and under square-sail proper upon a sea in base wavy intradented Argent and Azure.
Motto: Plus Et En Vous[15] (There is more in you)
align=center Keith Grammar, granted 18 January 1966Escutcheon: Tierced in pairle reversed; 1st, per pale dexter bendy of six Or and Azure within a bordure Gules; sinister Argent, an antique crown in chief Gules and a martlet in base Azure, on a chief of the last three fleurs-de-lys Or; 2nd, Argent, a lion passant guardant Gules, imperially crowned Or; 3rd, Vert, an escallop Or; and over all upon a chief Or three open books Proper, binding and fore-edges Azure.
Motto: Do Ut Dus[16] (I give in order that you may give)
align=center Merchiston Castle School, granted at unknown dateEscutcheon: Argent, a saltire engrailed between three roses gules and open book proper. Crest — A hand proper, holding a crescent or.
Motto: Ready Ay Ready
align=center Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline, granted 21 August 1965Escutcheon: Per pale indented, dexter, Azure, upon a rock in base a tower Argent, masoned Sable, windows and port Gules, supported by two lions rampant of the Second, langued of the Fourth, all demidiated; Sinister, per fess Or and Gules, a lion passant Azure, langued Gules in chief, powdered by six hearts of the last, all in chief, and in base an open book Proper, binding and fore-edges Azure.
Motto: Libertatem Per Probiatatem[17] (Freedom by Integrity)
align=center Queensferry High, granted 16 February 1970Escutcheon: Azure, a cross flory between four martlets Or, on a chief Argent three primroses Gules.
Motto: Mente et Manu[18] (With Mind and Hand)
align=center Royal High, Edinburgh, granted 1920Escutcheon: Sable, a castle triple towered and embattled argent, masoned of the first, windows and doors open gules set upon a rock proper.
Motto: Musis Respublica Floret (The State Flourishes with the Muses)
align=center St George's, Edinburgh, granted 1988Escutcheon: On a shield of oval form Argent, on a cross cotised Gules a torteau fimbriated Argent charged of the figure of St. George riding to the sinister and slaying a dragon of the First, in dexter chief a torch endlamed of the Second and in an Escrol below the same this.
Motto: TROUTHE AND HONOUR, FREEDOM AND CURTEISYE[19]
align=center St Joseph's Academy, Kilmarnock, granted 1949Escutcheon: Per pale, dexter, Purpure a fess chequy Or and Vert sinister Argent a shakefork Sable on a chief Gules a book opened between two crosses flory Argent
Motto: Fidelis Justus Prudens (Faithful, Just, Wise
align=center Tynecastle High, granted 31 May 1966Escutcheon: Per pale Argent and Azure, a castle of two towers flagged each with postern and window, and portcullis raised, all counterchanged, and in chief a rose also counterchanged, and in base a crescent likewise counterchanged. [20]

Schools in Wales

ImageDetail
align=center Botwnnog, adopted from the arms of Henry Rowlands, Bishop of Bangor who founded the school in 1616Escutcheon:
Motto:
align=center Bishop Gore, adopted from the arms of Hugh Gore who founded the school in 1682Escutcheon:
Motto: Virtue and good literature
align=center Christ College, granted at unknown dateEscutcheon:
Crest:
Motto: Possunt Quia Posse Videntur ("They achieve because they think they can achieve")
align=center Cowbridge (closed 1974), adopted from the arms of benefactor Sir Leoline Jenkins Escutcheon: Three cocks a mullet for difference (also attributed: Argent three cocks gules beaked and membred Or)
Crest:
Motto: Vigiliis et Virtute (Vigilence and Courage)
align=center Dr Williams (closed 1975), granted 27 October 1932Escutcheon: Or, a pile reversed sable ensigned on the top with a fire-beacon proper; on a chief of the second three mullets of six points of the first.
Motto: Ardua Semper[21] (Always to strive)
align=center Friars School, Bangor, adopted from the arms of the Glyn family, namesakes of the school's founder. Escutcheon:
Motto: Foedere Fraterno (On with the brotherhood)
align=center Llandaff Cathedral School, adopted from the diocese of Llandaff Escutcheon:
Crest:
align=center Monmouth, granted 8 November 1570 to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers who founded the schoolEscutcheon: Barry nebuly of six argent and azure, on a bend gules a lion passant [guardant] Or.
Crest: On a wreath of the colours. Issuing from clouds two naked arms embowed holding a laurel wreath, all proper
Supporters: On either side a goat of India argent. flecked gules, membered Or.
Motto: Serve and obey
align=center Ruthin, adopted from arms of Gabriel Goodman who refounded the school in 1574Escutcheon:
Crest:
Motto: Dei Gratia Sum Quod Sum (By the Grace of God I am What I am)
align=center Rydal School (merged), granted 9 January 1933Escutcheon: Ermine, two dolphins naiant in pale Or; on a chief azure an open book proper garnished gules, clasped Or, between two lions sejant respectant of the second
Motto: Prodesse quam conspici (Do good without display)
Note: The school is now merged with others forming a school named Rydal Penrhos

See also

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Ballymena Academy . Heraldry of the World . 13 October 2020 .
  2. Web site: Bangor Grammar School . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  3. Web site: Campbell College . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  4. Web site: Foyle College . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  5. Web site: Glenlola Collegiate School . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  6. Web site: Portadown College . Heraldry of the World . 12 October 2020 .
  7. Web site: Portora Royal School . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  8. Web site: Royal Belfast Academical Institution . Heraldry of the World . 12 October 2020 .
  9. Web site: Victoria College . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  10. Web site: Denny High School. Heraldry of the World . 12 October 2020 .
  11. Web site: High School of Dundee. Heraldry of the World . 12 October 2020 .
  12. Web site: Fettes College . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  13. Web site: George Heriot's School . Heraldry of the World . 13 October 2020 .
  14. Web site: Glasgow High School . Heraldry of the World . 10 October 2020 .
  15. Web site: Gordonstoun School . Heraldry of the World . 10 October 2020 .
  16. Web site: Keith Grammar School . Heraldry of the World . 9 October 2020 .
  17. Web site: Queen Anne High School . Heraldry of the World . 9 October 2020 .
  18. Web site: Queensferry High School . Heraldry of the World . 11 October 2020 .
  19. Web site: St George's School (Edinburgh) . Heraldry of the World . 13 October 2020 .
  20. Web site: Tynecastle High School . Heraldry of the World . 12 October 2020 .
  21. Web site: Dr Williams School . Heraldry of the World . 10 October 2020 .