Armorial of schools in the United Kingdom

Heraldry of UK schools

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The historical coat of arms or 'full heraldic achievement' for UK schools granted by the College of Arms or Lyon Court and also adopted by custom and practice, 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.

A view of George Heriot's School from Greyfriars Churchyard, showing its shield of arms on the gate.

## Schools in England

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Main article: Armorial of schools in England

## Schools in Northern Ireland

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| Ballymena, granted 3 December 1958

Escutcheon: 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)

| Bangor Grammar, granted 8 July 1954

Escutcheon: 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)

| Campbell, granted 30 September 1955

Escutcheon: 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)

| Foyle, granted 31 March 1949

Escutcheon: 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

| Glenlola Collegiate, granted 20 September 1961

Escutcheon: 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)

| Portadown College, granted 12 March 1962

Escutcheon: 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)

| Portora Royal (closed 2016), granted 2 February 1954

Escutcheon: 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)

| Royal Academical, granted 3 August 1951

Escutcheon: 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)

| Victoria, granted 27 April 1951

Escutcheon: 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

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| Cults Academy, Aberdeen granted 18 June 18, 1966

Escutcheon: 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.

| Denny High, granted 22 April 1965

Escutcheon: 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)

| The High School of Dundee, granted 21 April 1938

Escutcheon: 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)

| Eastwood High School, Newton Mearns, granted 12 August 1965

Escutcheon: 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)

| Fettes, granted 16 December 1916

Escutcheon: 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)

| 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]

| Glasgow Academy, granted at unknown date

Escutcheon: 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)

| Glasgow High, granted 9 February 1919

Escutcheon: 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)

| Trinity, Glenalmond, granted 15 September 1898

Escutcheon: 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)

| Gordonstoun, granted 9 August 1957

Escutcheon: 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)

| Keith Grammar, granted 18 January 1966

Escutcheon: 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)

| Merchiston Castle School, granted at unknown date

Escutcheon: Argent, a saltire engrailed between three roses gules and open book proper. Crest — A hand proper, holding a crescent or.
Motto: Ready Ay Ready

| Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline, granted 21 August 1965

Escutcheon: 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)

| Queensferry High, granted 16 February 1970

Escutcheon: Azure, a cross flory between four martlets Or, on a chief Argent three primroses Gules.
Motto: Mente et Manu[18] (With Mind and Hand)

| Royal High, Edinburgh, granted 1920

Escutcheon: 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)

| Royal School of Dunkeld, granted 27 January, 1953

Escutcheon:
Motto: Procedite Honeste (Proceed with Honour)

| St George's, Edinburgh, granted 1988

Escutcheon: 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]

| St Joseph's Academy, Kilmarnock, granted 1949

Escutcheon: 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)

| Tynecastle High, granted 31 May 1966

Escutcheon: 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

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| Botwnnog, adopted from the arms of Henry Rowlands, Bishop of Bangor who founded the school in 1616

Escutcheon:
Motto:

| Bishop Gore, Swansea, adopted from the arms of Hugh Gore who founded the school in 1682

Escutcheon:
Motto: Virtue and good literature

| Christ College, Brecon, granted at unknown date

Escutcheon:
Crest:
Motto: Possunt Quia Posse Videntur ("They achieve because they think they can achieve")

| 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 (Vigilance and Courage)

| Dr Williams (closed 1975), Dolgellau, granted 27 October 1932

Escutcheon: 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)

| 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)

| Llandaff Cathedral School, adopted from the diocese of Llandaff

Escutcheon:
Crest:

| Monmouth, granted 8 November 1570 to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers who founded the school

Escutcheon: 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

| Ruthin, adopted from arms of Gabriel Goodman who refounded the school in 1574

Escutcheon:
Crest:
Motto: Dei Gratia Sum Quod Sum (By the Grace of God I am What I am)

| Rydal School, (merged), Colwyn Bay, granted 9 January 1933

Escutcheon: 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

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* Armorial of British universities
* Armorial of county councils of England

## References

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

## Further reading

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* Scholastic arms; the arms, crests or badges used by four hundred schools, colleges, and universities: Beaulah, G. K, 1936, Manchester
* Armorial bearings of British schools: Christie-Murray, David, and Escott, Dan [1967?], Cambridge.

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