The History of Glenmuir High
Once upon a time, in the heart of the vibrant and culturally rich May Pen, Clarendon, a beacon of
educational excellence was born - Glenmuir High School. This institution, steeped in history and
nurtured by the dreams of its founders, has become a cornerstone of the community, a sanctuary
of knowledge, and a cradle of countless success stories.
Glenmuir was founded on September 15, 1958 by the Rt. Reverend Percival William Gibson, the
Bishop of Jamaica, as a private co-educational secondary school of the Anglican Diocese, on a
25-acre site in suburban May Pen. The school motto is "Flagrans Veritatis Studio" ("Burning
with the Zeal for Truth"). It emerged as a ray of hope in a region thirsting for educational
enlightenment. From these modest origins, the school has grown and flourished, mirroring the
growth of its students.
Headmasters
Glenmuir's first Headmaster was Dr. Sydney Howard Scott, a graduate of the University of
Oxford, and secretary of the Oxford University West Indian Society (1951-1952). Dr. Scott
retired in 1983.
The second headmaster was Mr. Clement Radcliffe, a graduate of the University of the West
Indies (UWI) who was educated at Glenmuir and who served as Head of the Inter-Secondary
Schools Sports Association (ISSA). He taught at Glenmuir before going on to serve as
headmaster for 28 years. Mrs. Monacia Williams, another graduate of Glenmuir, became the
principal after Mr. Radcliffe left the institution in 2009. Mrs. Williams retired from the position
in 2014.
Dr. Marsha Smalling, also a graduate of the institution, was appointed principal in 2014 to
present.
Houses
The school community is divided into four houses. Three houses were established in the second
year of the school: Pawsey, Muirhead, and deRoux. The fourth, the Gibson House, was
established in 1976. Each year the houses compete in various activities, an inter-house
competition for music, dance, song, and oratory performance; sporting events including field
events as well as a cross country race and the track-based Sports Day.
Sports
Glenmuir has a rich sporting tradition dominated by athletics and football. Glenmuir competes in
the annual Schoolboy Football Competitions. The school was DaCosta Cup Champions in 2004,
2006, and 2012; the Ben Francis Cup Champions in 1993, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2009;
and the Oliver Shield Champions in 2004 and 2006.
Schools' Challenge Quiz
Glenmuir's quiz team has been consistently successful in the TVJ's (Television Jamaica) Schools'
Challenge Quiz competitions with victories in 1995, 1999, 2001, 2002. The school placed second
in 2000, 2005 and 2008.
Glenmuir High School
Through the years, Glenmuir has weathered storms and celebrated victories. Its halls echo with
the footsteps of scholars who dared to dream, teachers who inspired, and leaders who shaped the
future. The campus itself is a testament to the school's commitment to excellence, with modern
facilities juxtaposed against historic buildings, creating an atmosphere of continuity and
progress.
Glenmuir has nurtured talents that have shone on national and international stages, be it in
academia, sports, the arts, or leadership. Its alumni include poets, scientists, athletes, and
entrepreneurs, each a testament to the school's unwavering dedication to producing well-rounded
individuals who can make a difference in the world.
But beyond the academic achievements and accolades, Glenmuir High School stands as a symbol
of the power of education to uplift, empower, and transform lives. It is a place where friendships
are forged, dreams are born, and futures are shaped. It is a place where the past, present, and
future converge, creating a tapestry of knowledge, culture, and community.
As the sun sets over the historic Glenmuir campus, it casts a warm glow on the history and
legacy of this remarkable institution. Glenmuir High School's story is not just about bricks and
mortar; it is about the dreams of generations, the pursuit of knowledge, and the enduring spirit of
May Pen, Clarendon. It is a story that continues to be written, with each student and teacher
contributing a new chapter to its rich and vibrant narrative.