Our School and Association

Manning's School owes its existence to Thomas Manning, a landed proprietor of Burnt Savannah in Westmoreland, who died in 1710. His will left his land at Burnt Savanna — some forty acres, with its houses, buildings and plantations, together with cattle and horses — to support tutors keeping a free school in the parish for the instruction of its youth.

In 1738 an Act of the Jamaica Assembly completed the legal formalities, and Manning's Free School was established on its present site in Savanna-la-Mar. Nearly three centuries later the school remains one of the oldest in the Caribbean.

The Association

The Manning's Alumni Association exists to give financial and practical support to the school — sustaining excellence in academics, sport and extra-curricular life — and to create networks and opportunities among alumni wherever they live.

Chapters operate in Savanna-la-Mar, Kingston, New York, South Florida and Toronto, coordinated so that the Association works as one. Over the years chapters have funded the restoration of the historic Thomas Manning Building, equipped the technical and vocational departments, and met everyday needs from lunches to uniforms.