Principals
1. Miss F Elmes (1913–1934) The first Principal of the Bishop Cotton Girls' School. She expanded the building adjoining Stafford House.
2. Miss R.M. Waller (1935–1944) is remembered for her intellectual and administrative talents. During her tenure she served the School faithfully and set it on firm ground.
3. Miss M.E. Hardy (1945–1952), a good sports woman and disciplinarian, came to Cottons after years of service as a missionary in Burma. The Church of South India (CSI) came into existence during this period.
4. Mrs. C.M. Gaughan (1952–1954) steered the School through this turbulent period with her calm, wise and courageous leadership.
5. Miss C.B. Schiff (1954–1957) strengthened the involvement of parents and encouraged cultural activities, especially Music and Art. The building of the Art Room and the extension of the Staff Room were accomplished during her tenure.
6. Miss C.M. Millington (1958–1962) had been on the Staff of the school before she took over as Principal. The Raman Science Block and the Chapel of the Holy Family were constructed during this time. The Examination system changed over from the Cambridge Certificate to the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC).
7. Mrs. Acca Joseph (1963–1972) took over as the first Indian Principal in 1963. Her able administration helped this School to establish itself strongly as a self sufficient unit. The Centenary Year was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Distinguished personalities like Mr. V.V. Giri and Mrs. Indira Gandhi visited the School. The School Library was inaugurated and the New Boarding Block was built. Indian Culture was intricately woven into the fabric of the education system. A strict disciplinarian herself, she demanded high standards from her Staff and Students.
8. Miss Grace Samuel (1972–1973) came to Cotton's after nine years in the U.S.A. A warm and gentle person, her primary concern was to help the students to achieve academic excellence. She introduced audio-visual aids and urged the teachers to improve their approach through self-evaluation and adoption of fresh methods of teaching.
9. Mrs. V.M. Chandran (1973–1978) a member of the Staff from 1959, took over as Principal in 1973. Her outstanding achievement was the construction of the School Auditorium, the best of its kind in the city. Although she did not stay to witness its completion, it was her enthusiasm and hard work that made it possible. The Parents' Block was inaugurated during this period. Mrs. Chandran's affection for the children and sympathetic understanding of the Staff and Parents endeared her to one and all.
10. Mrs. G. Clarke (1978–1988) initiated the introduction of two new Houses - Elmes and Waller - to the existing Barton, Foley and Maiden Houses, as the number of Students had increased. The pale green tunics changed to dark green. In keeping with the times, Computer studies were introduced. The strength of the School went from 700 to 3000. Six additional classrooms were built and the shift system was introduced. The work on the Auditorium was completed and a new Dining Hall for the Boarders was planned. The Bishop Cotton Women's' Christian College was started in 1985, the first of its kind in the Diocese.
11. Mrs. Elizabeth Joseph M.A., B.Ed (1988–1999) a member of the Staff from 1971, took over as Principal in September 1988. Several structural extensions and additions were made during this period. The School Auditorium was renovated, the mezzanine floor and stage built with co-ordinating interiors and the lighting system. The Hostel side of the campus acquired a multi-purpose Dining Hall with the Staff Quarters built above it.
12. Dr. Mrs. Stella Samuel M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D (1999–2005) took over as Principal in June 1999 after having served the school for 25 years as a member of the Staff. Having joined the school in 1974 she truly maintained the rich tradition of Cottons. The Administrative block was renovated which is a wonderful blend of the old structure and ultramodern interior including a board room. The new ISC block took shape under her guidance. An efficient School transport system in collaboration with BMTC was introduced. To keep pace with the progressive world, Internet, Intranet, Fax, & Email was installed.
13. Mrs. Princess Franklyn (2005–2010) Was brought on a transfer from a School in Tumkur.
14. Mrs. Lydia Joshua (2010–present) Her distinguished career as a teacher has been recognized by the School Management of the Bishop Cotton Boys' School by awarding her the Best Teacher Award in the year 2000. The internationally renowned Stanford University, USA, has recognized the contribution of Mrs. Lydia Joshua to the student community by awarding her a "Teacher Tribute" which reads as follows:
"Stanford University wishes to recognize Lydia Joshua for exceptional teaching. Your dedication to the field of education has contributed greatly to the future of your students, Stanford University and your community." Signed by JOHN L HENNESSY, President and ROBIN G MAMLET, (Dean of Admission & Financial Aid). Year 2003
Alumni of the school are known as Old Girls or Old Cottonians, or OCs.
A small group of dedicated Old Girls who studied in every decade starting in the 1960s maintain a website.
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