The T.O.R. Memorial High School known as Miss Robinson’s School was the brain child of Miss Nellie Robinson, a noble and courageous Antiguan who lived during the period 1880 to 1972.

Miss Rob as she was affectionately called had been attending 'Coke College' an "all girls" school run by one Miss Hancock. That school had to be closed.   This school was situated on St. Mary's Street.   Miss Rob was to have pursued a Medical Career in England where her brother worked at the General Post Office. However, he contracted Typhoid Fever and died and with him died her plans for a Medical Career.

At the age of eighteen (18), Miss Rob started her own school.   She began with her own brothers and sisters along with children of a few friends, and so began the Establishment.

The T.O.R. Memorial High School was founded in 1898 and named after her brother Thomas Oliver Robinson whose death changed the course of her early ambitions.

Miss Nellie Robinson now Dame Nellie Robinson was a fair skinned, good-looking, intelligent lady who was never afraid to speak her mind to Bishop, Governor or else.   She was a very refined person and somehow retained those good looks and qualities until her death.   She was noted for tossing her head while she spoke and walking with a firm stride.

Some years had passed and Miss Robinson had to go to the U.S.A. for medical assistance.   Miss Aggie Brooks was left in charge of the school during her absence.  While in the U.S.A. she took a job with the Millers as a Governess. They became so impressed with her performance and great personality that they later cleared her school in Antigua of its debts since they were quite a wealthy family.   Later Miss Rob returned to Antigua to resume her duties of Headmistress, which she did with dignity.

The T.O.R. Memorial School then situated at Newgate Street changed its location to Mrs. Langlais’ home on Redcliffe Street and then to the familiar site on High Street, which ceased to be the home of the school in July 2004. The school is now located in our own buildings at Paynters Estate.

The School had a high standard, which was comparable to the Grammar School and High School, two church-run schools, belonging to the Anglicans.  These schools maintained high standards of proficiency.  The Grammar School catered to hoys only and the High School to girls only.

Many boys who attended the Grammar School had their early beginnings at the T.O.R. Memorial High School and what is worthy of note is that many entered colleges in the U.K. without having to take any further exams.

The T.O.R. Memorial High School filled the needs of many Antiguans who in those colonial times for one reason or another could not gain entry into the two High Schools on the Island.

Over the years, the school became so widely recognized that children came as ‘Boarders' from the Islands of St. Croix, Montserrat, Panama, Tortola and St. Kitts and many other islands.

Miss Rob was famous for her dramatic presentations, which were performed at Bishop Mather’s Schoolroom.   This school belonged to the Anglican Diocese and was later taken over by the Ministry of Education.   It was destroyed by fire some years ago, the spot now houses the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Marine Resources and Agro Industries.

In 1950 when Miss Rob could no longer head the school, the mantle was passed on to Miss Ina Loving who had joined the staff in the forties. Miss Rob’s birth date December 7^th is commemorated as FOUNDER'S DAY.   Every year a thanksgiving service is held at St, John's Anglican Cathedral in recognition of her dedicated service to the people of Antigua.

This outstanding lady was honoured twice by the British monarchy. In 1935 King George V honoured her with a medal in commemoration of their Majesties' Silver Jubilee, and in 1941 she was awarded the M.B.E. (member of the British Empire) however, locally, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Education and Culture in Antigua and Barbuda, the Professional Organization of Women in Antigua (POWA), in their citations of 2000, named Miss Nellie Robinson "Woman of the 20^th Century" and most recently she was awarded Dame Companion of the most Exalted Order of National Hero (DNH) for services to Education and henceforth she will be referred to as Dame Nellie Robinson. Dame Nellie Robinson died on 29^th April 1972 at the grand old age of 92. May her soul rest in peace.

The school has always been careful not only of the academic developments of its pupils, but also the social and cultural aspects.  One of the Hallmarks of the school is the insistence on strict discipline.

During the summer of 1993 the T.O.R. held a reunion where many past students came from far and wide to celebrate.  This was held to honor Ms. Ina Loving who had given her whole life to the school.  There was a massive turnout at every function.

Miss Ina Loving received one of the nation’s highest awards, the Order of Merit -Gold.  This was bestowed upon her by Governor General Dr. James Beethoven Carlisle; Miss Ina Loving carried the torch of Headmistress from 1950 - 1993 when her health failed her to do so.   She served with great skill, determination and courage.   Some may have had doubts about her as the replacement to fill the very large shoes of the illustrious founder Miss Nellie Robinson but Miss Loving rose to the challenge and satisfied the expectation of her severest critics.

However, Miss Ina Loving sought among the Nation and one of its best fruits was chosen Mrs. Natalie Hurst nee Francis a former student of the T.O.R. was chosen to carry the mantle of Headmistress for the school.   In our judgement, there could not have been a better choice or a finer candidate for the position.

We are pleased to report that Miss Loving sought the help of a past student an eminent lawyer, Mr. Sydney Christian to put the school on a solid foundation. Mr Christian suggested that the ownership of the school be put into the hands of its past students who would form a Friendly Society headed by a functioning Board of Management.   With this plan in place, the continuity of the T.O.R. would be ensured.   To this Mss Loving agreed whole-heartedly.

Miss Ina Loving passed quietly into the beyond on December 23^rd 1996. The school boasts of its 109 years having only 4 headmistresses -

i)           Dame Nellie Robinson

ii)           Miss Ina Loving

iii)         Mrs. Natalie Hurst

iv)         and Mrs. Hyacinth Matthew

The T.O.R. Memorial School boasts of Past students here in Antigua and all over the world, among them many persons who are involved in various professions as well as in high public office.  This school has always stood for service and its past students have tried to live our School motto, which is "I Press Toward the Mark."

On our 25^th Anniversary of Independence November 1^st 2006, Miss Nellie Robinson was posthumously awarded - Dame Companion of the Most Exalted Order of National Hero (DNH) for services to Education.

I am happy to announce that for the past year our school has been re-located in our own buildings at Paynters Estate.