Ferguson High School-Ratnapura
Present Ferguson came into existence as a result of the meritorious deed of Mrs.Florie Radley. The school was first started in 1917 by the name of Baptist Missionary English School. It was started with only 3 girls in the premises of Baptist Church. miss Elizebeth Maldeniya was the first teacher. After her, miss Margaret Maldeniya took her place. Later Miss. S.R. Cassie Chitty was also appointed to meet the needs of increased number of students.
The church building was not enough for students and a new school building was badly in need. In 1918 , Miss. Wijesinghe was appointed as the head teacher and Miss Nesta Vanderstraten joined the staff.
In 1921 , Miss. Joyce Collier was appointed as the Principal. A prize giving was held first time in that July. In the same year the school eas registered as a " Grant in Aid - English School ".
Miss. Evelyn Allsop
In 1922 , Miss. E.A Allsop was appointed as the Principal.
First Candidate
In 1923 , Miss. Elsie Abeygunasekara passed the E.S.L.C examination.
Kindergarten
In 1925 , Muhandiram C.P. Wanigathunga opened the kindergarten and Miss. Barbet was the in-charge of it.
Ferguson High School
In 1928 , the school known as Baptist Missionary Girls' English School was renamed as Ferguson High School in memory of Mr. John Ferguson who helped the baptist Missionary Society in Ceylon.
The Hostel
in 1924 , the hostel was started as an integral part of the school. In the same year school was registered as a mixed school.
In 1929 , two story building was opened as the new senior hostel. The former one (Etherington house) became the junior hostel. The two hostel buildings were connected by a long flight of steps.
Guiding
In 1925 , the 1st Rathnapura Guide company was begun. in 1928 , His Excellency Sir Herbert Stanely visited visited the Guide Company in the school.
The 1930s
The 1930s was a period of growth.The total number of students was 118 and staff 9.
In 1931 , a joint concert was held with the brother school of Ferguson High School , Carey College.
Houses system
Miss. W.F Gadge the acting principal introduced the houses system to the school , the three houses Blue , Red and Orange. ( The school colour was green)
OGA
The first reunion of old girls was held on 8th September 1933 and Old Girls' association was inaugerated.
S.S.C
The first candidate , Miss Augesta Perera passed the S.S.C (English) in 1934.
The 1940s
In march 1940 Miss F.A Brook came to Ferguson high School. In 1942 (during world war ) children from Colombo Schools came to Ferguson in large numbers. In the same year the Silver Jubilee of the school was celebrated.Rev. S.F.Perera was the chief guest.
In 1943 the first school building was demolished to make room for a new hall. On 12th February 1946 , this new hall was opened by Lady Moore , wife of his excellency the Governor of Ceylon.
In 1946 primary classes switched over to mother tongue medium Sinhala/Tamil.
On 30th May 1947 , Miss Allsop \'s Silver Jubilee at Ferguson high School as highly celebrated.
In December 1947 , the First Ferguson Fair was held to swell the building fund.
Miss. F.Aurora Brook
In 1949 , Miss. F.A. Brook became the principal of Ferguson High school. On her retirement Miss. E.A. Allsop left the country. In 1951 Mrs. J.E Stembo was appointed as the head of the primary section. In the same year school joined the free education scheme.
On 11th January 1955 , new two story building was opened by Miss. M.E Rooper. The 2nd Ferguson fair was held on 29th July and 30th July in the same year.
In 1956 , Miss Pearl Perera , a past pupil and a teacher of Ferguson High School
