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Palikoodam campus

Palikoodam

Parent Insights

Vadavathoor P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, India

A long-established CISCE school in Kottayam known for arts-rich, values-based education and small community feel.

ICSECo-edNursery - 12Ratio School claims 1:10; some directories list 1:35 — parents should confirm directlyAround 450 (under 500) students
  • ✦Founded by Mary Roy, a pioneering educationist and women’s rights activist.
  • ✦Campus designed by Laurie Baker, known for sustainable architecture.
  • ✦Strong emphasis on arts, environment, and community engagement.
SummarySchool InfoFees & AdmissionsParent InsightsFacilitiesReviewsPeer GroupWrite a Review

Summary for Parents

Overview

  • •Pallikoodam is a long-established CISCE school in Kottayam known for its arts-rich, values-based education and small community feel. It’s ideal for families who want a school that balances academics with creativity and social awareness.

Best Fit For

  • •A creative, expressive child who enjoys arts and projects.
  • •A child who thrives in smaller classes with personal attention.
  • •A socially aware child who values community and environmental work.

Strengths

  • •Strong arts and environmental programs
  • •Small class sizes and close teacher–student relationships
  • •Beautiful Laurie Baker–designed campus
  • •Long-standing reputation and notable alumni

Trade-offs / Things to check

  • •Higher fees compared to local schools
  • •Boarding and safety policies — visit in person
  • •Past controversies around discipline — confirm current approach
  • •Limited transparency on hostel and transport fees

Recommendations / Questions to Ask

  • •Request a detailed, written fee structure.
  • •Visit the hostel and classrooms before enrolling.
  • •Ask for recent board exam results and student portfolios.
  • •Speak to current parents for first-hand feedback.
  • •Clarify how the school supports emotional well-being and discipline.

School Information

Board / Curriculum

ICSE

Grades offered

Nursery - 12

Medium

Malayalam in early years; English thereafter

Type

Co-ed

Students

Around 450 (under 500)

Student–Teacher Ratio

School claims 1:10; some directories list 1:35 — parents should confirm directly

Boarding

Day school only

Pincode

686010

Leadership & Staff

  • • Founded by Mary Roy
  • • Principal: Mariamma Paul
  • • Full-time faculty for sports, drama, music, and dance

Fees & Admissions

Class / CategoryFee (₹)Notes
Play School (Kalari)₹36,000 per term × 3 = 1,08,000 per yearSibling discount of 10% on term fee
Class 10 (CISCE)₹1,57,500 per yearSource: Careers360 (2023–24)
Activity Fees₹3,000 per term (e.g., Bharatanatyam, Carnatic vocal)Per activity
HostelNot publicly listed
TransportNot publicly listed

• A few things to note:

• The ₹1,57,500 figure is from a third-party source; confirm with the school.

• Play School fees are published on the official website and appear current.

• Always ask for a written fee schedule including tuition, activity, hostel, and transport charges.

Admission Process for Interested Parents

Admission Timeline

  • 1.Application Period: Usually opens around September–October each year.
  • 2.Forms: Available online for Play School and Classes I–IX.
  • 3.Play School (Kalari): Online application with birth certificate, Aadhaar/passport, and photo upload.
  • 4.Classes I and above: Transfer certificate, previous school reports, and entrance test/interview.
  • 5.Hostel Admissions: Separate form; local guardian required.
  • 6.Documents Required: Birth certificate, ID proof, photos, medical details, and local guardian info (for boarders).
  • 7.Entrance Tests: Typically held in October; confirm exact dates with the school.

What Parents Say

Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.

Early Grades / Play School

Positives

The play-based Kalari program encourages creativity and social learning. Teachers are warm and approachable.

Watch out for

Fees are higher than local preschools; confirm teacher qualifications and daily routines.

💬

Ask: How are early learning outcomes measured? What is the teacher–child ratio in Kalari?

Elementary / Middle School

Positives

Small class sizes and project-based learning help children develop confidence and curiosity.

Watch out for

Some parents have mentioned strict behavioural rules in the past.

💬

Ask: What is the current discipline policy? How are conflicts handled?

Secondary / Senior School

Positives

Strong in arts, debate, and environmental projects.

Watch out for

Higher fees and boarding costs; confirm transparency in billing.

💬

Ask: What are the recent ICSE/ISC results? How are board students supported?

Extracurriculars

Positives

Excellent performing arts and sports programs with dedicated staff.

Watch out for

None significant, though parents should check how time is balanced with academics.

💬

Ask: How are extracurricular achievements recognised?

Campus & Facilities

Spacious classrooms and libraryScience and computer labs800-seat auditoriumSwimming pool, football field, basketball and volleyball courtsPerforming arts spaces with full-time faculty for drama, music, and danceOn-campus hostel with clear rules and local guardian requirementSchool transport availableCafeteria, medical facilities, and CCTV securityEarthy, functional design and focus on community spacesAlternative SchoolVADAVATHOOR

Reviews from Other Platforms

Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.

What parents liked

"I arrived at Pallikoodam when I was 7 years old, it did not feel like a boarding school as the teachers and the staff welcomed me as one of their family."

— Jacob Thundil MBE

"Many life skills... had their roots here. The ability to express yourself clearly and precisely... the days spent in school, without social media... remind me of the time I found joy in doing seemingly mundane activities like going for a swim at 6.00 am or writing a play for the Morning Assembly."

— Diya Maria Abraham

"Pallikoodam played an important role in equipping me with the skills and values that helped me in my personal trajectory."

— Arvind Kurian Abraham

Concerns raised

"Now I wouldn't want to send my children to the school."

— Abraham Chandapillai (alumnus, 2015 media coverage)

"The distance between a boy and a girl at all times to be one meter..."

— Excerpt from the 2015 circular reported by media

"Local news reports have mentioned safety concerns following isolated incidents; parents should review current safety and welfare policies."

—

What Kind of Peer Group?

Age Range

2.5 years (Play School) to 17–18 years (Class XII)

Family Backgrounds

Mostly middle and upper-middle-class families, many with professional or NRI backgrounds.

Socio-economic Profile

Mix of local and expatriate-return families who value liberal education and arts.

Child Profiles

Creative, curious, bilingual children who enjoy arts, environmental projects, and small-group learning.

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