Student Body
It took 30+ years to execute the Founder's will. In direct contrast to the Founder's intentions, British colonial administrators ensured that La Martinière catered to the education of European and Anglo-Indian students. The curriculum reflected the student composition with boys expected to master Latin and Greek, and the school was an early example of "Macaulay"-ite education in India. Most students were self-identified as 'British' or 'European', and did not remain in India after leaving school. Early Principals were generally from British public schools and tried to replicate the prevailing Rugby/ Arnold model of education with an emphasis on sports, espirit de corps and Christian morality.
Following a Calcutta High Court order (dated 18/2/1935) religious and ethnic restrictions on the admission of non-European, non-Christian, fee-paying students were removed and the school was allowed to admit such students up to a maximum of 25% of the strength of the school.
In the years after Independence, the school started attracting members of the social and business elite of Calcutta.
The student body has grown exponentially in size through the years, with approximately 3,000 students on the rolls in 2011 (compared with 750 in 1960 and 1,200 in 1980) with each class now comprising four sections (curiously named A, A1, Alpha and Alpha1) of approximately 50 boys each. The school also takes in new students at the "+2" level. Although parents and Old Boys question the quality of the LMB experience with the increased class sizes, the schools continue to be a popular choice for parents to which to admit their children.
Under the terms of the Founder's will, a certain number of Foundation scholarships (covering the costs of school fees and full board) are awarded to Anglo-Indian boarders. Although admissions are competitive, preference is given to children of Old Martinians.
The girls' school has 3 sections per class (A, B and C). Each section comprises 35-40 girls. In 11 and 12 there are four sections each- 1 for humanities, 2 for commerce and 1 for science. Each of these sections comprise 25-40 girls (ranging in class size based on the subject)
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