The name Coleridge and Parry represents the amalgamation of two schools,Coleridge School and Parry School .These two schools were established by the Anglican Church sometime between 1825 and 1852.The Coleridge School ,named after the first Bishop of Barbados,was built opposite St. Peter's Church rectory.The Parry School, named after the second Bishop of Barbados,was built opposite St.Lucy's Parish church.These schools were recognised and established by the local government in 1881 as secondary grammar schools for boys.
White and coloured boys of the upper and middle classes were generally the ones who attended these schools.The labouring class could scarcely afford the fees and up to 1945 were often disadvantaged by rules which did not allow boys of unmarried parents or non-Anglicans to ba admitted.
A few scholarships were made available to the under-privileged boys by the church and the Vestry.These two bodies therefore excercised a measure of control until 1962 when free secondary education was established in all government secondary schools.
The first appointed headmaster of the Coleridge and Parry School was Mr. Christopher Springer. He held the position from 1952-1958.He was followed by Mr.J Sinclaire Yearwood,1958-1977. Mr. E.Victor Matthews,1977-1982.Mr.Hallam King 1983-1996 and Mr.Alwin Adams 1997-present.
Coleridge and Parry accepted girls in in 1981 and the uniform was changed from khaki to grey pants/skirts and white shirt/blouse in 1990.
At present the school has over 1000 students on its roll and more than 60 teachers and a guidance counselor.It offers several subjects at CXC level and a host of extra curricula activities.
'Over the years the school has managed to quietly and effectively provide the country with leaders.It has served the community well and the story has only started to be told in avery effective way in the last ten years" said senior teacher Mr. Hugh Thompson. "I think the story was being written all the time but wasn't told."