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The official and historical coat of arms or 'full heraldic achievement' for UK schools, as granted by the College of Arms or Lyon Court, are presented herewith. For some schools, the full heraldic achievement (shield, crest, mantling and sometimes also supporters and motto) is displayed; for others just the escutcheon (shield) is shown.
| Image | Details |
|---|---|
 | Ballymena, granted 3 December 1958 Escutcheon:Argent, a humet azure between in chief two dexter hands and in base an ant gules. |
 | Bangor Grammar, granted 8 July 1954 Escutcheon:Azure, within two bendlets, as many bendlets dancettee, all between two mullets Or; a bordure of the last. |
 | Campbell, granted 30 September 1955 Escutcheon:Gyronny of eight Or and sable, an open book proper, bound gules, edged and clasped gold; on a chief also gules a lion passant guardant of the first supporting with the dexter forepaw an ancient Irish bell argent. |
| Foyle, granted 31 March 1949 Escutcheon:Quarterly argent, sable, azure and of the first, a cross quarterly gules and of the first between, in the first quarter a sword erect of the fourth, in the second quarter a tower of the first, in the third quarter a harp Or stringed of the first, and in the fourth quarter a hand appaumee couped at the wrist of the fourth. | |
 | Glenlola Collegiate, granted 20 September 1961 Escutcheon:Azure, in base two bars wavy argent, issuant therefrom a cygnet rousant proper. |
 | Portadown College, granted 12 March 1962 Escutcheon:Argent, in chief between two lions rampant per fess gules and azure an ancient lamp of the last enflamed gules, and in base a like lion between two lozenges also gules. |
 | Portora Royal (closed 2016), granted 2 February 1954 Escutcheon:Or, on a fesse sable between in chief an open book proper, edged gules, bound and inscribed with the Roman numerals MDCVIII of the second, and in base - a castle also proper, flying therefrom a banner of St. George, a harp between two fleurs-de-lys Or. |
 | Royal Academical, granted 3 August 1951 Escutcheon:Sable, between two Doric columns Or an open book proper, edged and bound of the second and inscribed in fesse with the Roman numerals MDCCCX of the first, in chief the Crown of Hanover gold. |
 | Victoria, granted 27 April 1951 Escutcheon:Per pale sanguine and sable, on the dexter a harp Or and on the sinister an open book proper, edged and bound gold; a chief vair, thereon a pale azure charged with a bee argent. |
| Image | Details |
|---|---|
| Cults Academy, Aberdeen granted 18 June 18, 1966 Escutcheon:Argent, on a pale Gules two open books of the First, bindings and fore-edges Vert in chief and in base, accompanied by two sheaves each of three holly leaves of the Third, banded of the Second, in dexter and sinister chief, and surmounting in base two arrows fessways of the Second, feathered of the Third, the lower contournee, all surmounted of a fess wavy Azure, foam flecked of the First. | |
| Denny High, granted 22 April 1965 Escutcheon:Parted per pale, dexter, per fess Azure and Vert, between a fess enarched Argent, masoned Sable, a demi-angel issuant from the fess Proper, attired Argent, celestially crowned and wings elevated Or, and in base a pale wavy Argent charged of two pallets wavy Azure; sinister, Argent, between a roundel embattled Sable voided of the field, in the honour point and a cinquefoil Gules in base, two palm branches slipped saltirewise Vert, and in chief an open book Or, fore-edges and binding Gules. | |
 | Dundee High, granted 21 April 1938 Escutcheon:1st Gules, a celestial crown Or. 2nd Azure, the crosier of the Abbot of Lindores Or, surmounted of a saltire couped Argent. 3rd Azure a pot of three growing lilies Argent. 4th Or, a Doric Portico of four columns sable. |
| Eastwood High School, Newton Mearns, granted 12 August 1965 Escutcheon:Per chevron Argent and Azure; on a chevron Gules, fimbriated Or, between two oak-trees eradicated Proper, fructed of the Fourth, in chief, and a cogwheel winged Argent accompanied by a sun also of the First all in base, three open books Argent, lettering, binding and edges Sable, alternately with crosses pattée also Argent | |
 | Fettes, granted 16 December 1916 Escutcheon:Or, a chevron between two mullets in chief and a cross crosslet fitched in base Gules. |
 | George Heriot's, Edinburgh, granted 3 January 1917 (adopted from arms of school founder) Escutcheon:Argent, on a fess Azure three cinquefoils of the field, in base a mullet Sable. |
 | Glasgow Academy, granted at unknown date Escutcheon: The Bishop's Mitre of Saint Mungo on the upper left to represent the City of Glasgow, the Lion which represents Scotland on the upper right, the torch of learning on the lower right and three crosses of sacrifice chosen to recall "the perpetual mainspring of the school, the spirit of sacrifice and service" on the lower left. The school colours are heraldically represented originally as azure (blue) and argent (silver). |
 | Glasgow High, granted 9 February 1919 Escutcheon:Argent, on a mount in base an oak tree, the stem at the base surmounted of a salmon on its back with a signet ring in its mouth, on the top of the tree a redbreast and in the sinister fess point an ancient hand bell proper, on a chief Gules an open book also proper, leaved or between two wreaths of laurel Gold. |
 | Trinity, Glenalmond, granted 15 September 1898 Escutcheon:Silver saltire cross on the blue ground of Saint Andrew, the national arms of Scotland. The fleur-de-lys is the emblem of the Trinity, while the sun and crescents are taken from the arms of Lothian and Buccleuch respectively. |
| Gordonstoun, granted 9 August 1957 Escutcheon:Or a Lymphad contournée ramheaded and fishtail enarched Vert biremed oars Gules and under square-sail proper upon a sea in base wavy intradented Argent and Azure. | |
| Keith Grammar, granted 18 January 1966 Escutcheon:Tierced in pairle reversed; 1st, per pale dexter bendy of six Or and Azure within a bordure Gules; sinister Argent, an antique crown in chief Gules and a martlet in base Azure, on a chief of the last three fleurs-de-lys Or; 2nd, Argent, a lion passant guardant Gules, imperially crowned Or; 3rd, Vert, an escallop Or; and over all upon a chief Or three open books Proper, binding and fore-edges Azure. | |
 | Merchiston Castle School, granted at unknown date Escutcheon:Argent, a saltire engrailed between three roses gules and open book proper. Crest — A hand proper, holding a crescent or. |
 | Queen Anne High School, Dunfermline, granted 21 August 1965 Escutcheon:Per pale indented, dexter, Azure, upon a rock in base a tower Argent, masoned Sable, windows and port Gules, supported by two lions rampant of the Second, langued of the Fourth, all demidiated; Sinister, per fess Or and Gules, a lion passant Azure, langued Gules in chief, powdered by six hearts of the last, all in chief, and in base an open book Proper, binding and fore-edges Azure. |
 | Queensferry High, granted 16 February 1970 Escutcheon:Azure, a cross flory between four martlets Or, on a chief Argent three primroses Gules. |
 | Royal High, Edinburgh, granted 1920 Escutcheon:Sable, a castle triple towered and embattled argent, masoned of the first, windows and doors open gules set upon a rock proper. |
 | Royal School of Dunkeld, granted 27 January, 1953 Escutcheon: |
| St George's, Edinburgh, granted 1988 Escutcheon:On a shield of oval form Argent, on a cross cotised Gules a torteau fimbriated Argent charged of the figure of St. George riding to the sinister and slaying a dragon of the First, in dexter chief a torch endlamed of the Second and in an Escrol below the same this. | |
| St Joseph's Academy, Kilmarnock, granted 1949 Escutcheon:Per pale, dexter, Purpure a fess chequy Or and Vert sinister Argent a shakefork Sable on a chief Gules a book opened between two crosses flory Argent | |
 | Tynecastle High, granted 31 May 1966 Escutcheon:Per pale Argent and Azure, a castle of two towers flagged each with postern and window, and portcullis raised, all counterchanged, and in chief a rose also counterchanged, and in base a crescent likewise counterchanged. [20] |
| Image | Detail |
|---|---|
 | Botwnnog, adopted from the arms of Henry Rowlands, Bishop of Bangor who founded the school in 1616 Escutcheon: |
 | Bishop Gore, adopted from the arms of Hugh Gore who founded the school in 1682 Escutcheon: |
 | Christ College, granted at unknown date Escutcheon: |
| Cowbridge (closed 1974), adopted from the arms of benefactor Sir Leoline Jenkins Escutcheon:Three cocks a mullet for difference (also attributed: Argent three cocks gules beaked and membred Or) | |
 | Dr Williams (closed 1975), granted 27 October 1932 Escutcheon:Or, a pile reversed sable ensigned on the top with a fire-beacon proper; on a chief of the second three mullets of six points of the first. |
 | Friars School, Bangor, adopted from the arms of the Glyn family, namesakes of the school's founder. Escutcheon: |
 | Llandaff Cathedral School, adopted from the diocese of Llandaff Escutcheon: |
 | Monmouth, granted 8 November 1570 to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers who founded the school Escutcheon:Barry nebuly of six argent and azure, on a bend gules a lion passant [guardant] Or. |
 | Ruthin, adopted from arms of Gabriel Goodman who refounded the school in 1574 Escutcheon: |
| Rydal School (merged), granted 9 January 1933 Escutcheon:Ermine, two dolphins naiant in pale Or; on a chief azure an open book proper garnished gules, clasped Or, between two lions sejant respectant of the second |
Heraldry is a discipline relating to the design, display and study of armorial bearings, as well as related disciplines, such as vexillology, together with the study of ceremony, rank and pedigree. Armory, the best-known branch of heraldry, concerns the design and transmission of the heraldic achievement. The achievement, or armorial bearings usually includes a coat of arms on a shield, helmet and crest, together with any accompanying devices, such as supporters, badges, heraldic banners and mottoes.
A coat of arms is a heraldic visual design on an escutcheon, surcoat, or tabard. The coat of arms on an escutcheon forms the central element of the full heraldic achievement, which in its whole consists of a shield, supporters, a crest, and a motto. A coat of arms is traditionally unique to the armiger. The term "coat of arms" itself, describing in modern times just the heraldic design, originates from the description of the entire medieval chainmail "surcoat" garment used in combat or preparation for the latter.
A motto is a sentence or phrase expressing a belief or purpose, or the general motivation or intention of an individual, family, social group, or organization. Mottos are usually found predominantly in written form, and may stem from long traditions of social foundations, or from significant events, such as a civil war or a revolution. One's motto may be in any language, but Latin has been widely used, especially in the Western world.
The coat of arms of Nova Scotia is the heraldic symbol representing the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It is the oldest provincial achievement of arms in Canada, and the oldest British coat of arms in use outside Great Britain. It is blazoned as follows: Argent, a saltire azure charged with an escutcheon of the Royal Arms of Scotland.
The coat of arms of the United Kingdom, also referred to as the royal arms, are the arms of dominion of the British monarch, currently Charles III. They are used by the Government of the United Kingdom and by other Crown institutions, including courts in the United Kingdom and in some parts of the Commonwealth. Differenced versions of the arms are used by members of the British royal family. The monarch's official flag, the Royal Standard, is the coat of arms in flag form.
The coat of arms of Alberta, the heraldic symbol representing the Canadian province of Alberta, contains symbols reflecting Alberta's English heritage along with local symbols. The upper part of the shield features the red cross of Saint George. The lower portion of the shield depicts the Rocky Mountains, grass prairies, and wheat fields – representing Alberta's landscape.
In heraldry, an escutcheon is a shield that forms the main or focal element in an achievement of arms. The word can be used in two related senses. In the first sense, an escutcheon is the shield upon which a coat of arms is displayed. In the second sense, an escutcheon can itself be a charge within a coat of arms.
The Canadian Heraldic Authority is part of the Canadian honours system under the Canadian monarch, whose authority is exercised by the Governor General of Canada. The authority is responsible for the creation and granting of new coats of arms, flags, and badges for Canadian citizens, government agencies, municipal, civic and other corporate bodies. The authority also registers existing armorial bearings granted by other recognized heraldic authorities, approves military badges, flags, and other insignia of the Canadian Forces, and provides information on heraldic practices. It is well known for its innovative designs, many incorporating First Nations symbolism.
The Royal Badge of Wales was approved in May 2008. It is based on the arms borne by the 13th-century Welsh prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, with the addition of St Edward's Crown atop a continuous scroll which, together with a wreath consisting of the plant emblems of the four countries of the United Kingdom, surrounds the shield. The motto which appears on the scroll, PLEIDIOL WYF I'M GWLAD, is taken from the national anthem of Wales; it was also an element of the Welsh designs for £1 coins minted from 1985 until 2000. The badge formerly appeared on the covers of Assembly Measures; since the 2011 referendum, it now appears on the cover of Acts passed by the Senedd and its escutcheon, ribbon and motto are depicted on the Welsh Seal.
Heraldry in Scotland, while broadly similar to that practised in England and elsewhere in western Europe, has its own distinctive features. Its heraldic executive is separate from that of the rest of the United Kingdom.
In heraldry and heraldic vexillology, a blazon is a formal description of a coat of arms, flag or similar emblem, from which the reader can reconstruct the appropriate image. The verb to blazon means to create such a description. The visual depiction of a coat of arms or flag has traditionally had considerable latitude in design, but a verbal blazon specifies the essentially distinctive elements. A coat of arms or flag is therefore primarily defined not by a picture but rather by the wording of its blazon. Blazon is also the specialized language in which a blazon is written, and, as a verb, the act of writing such a description. Blazonry is the art, craft or practice of creating a blazon. The language employed in blazonry has its own vocabulary and syntax, which becomes essential for comprehension when blazoning a complex coat of arms.
South African heraldry dates back to the 1650s, inheriting European heraldic traditions. Arms are borne by individuals, official bodies, local authorities, military units, and by a wide variety of organisations. South Africa has had its own heraldic authority since 1963, to provide armigers with legal protection, and to promote high standards of armorial practice.
Canadian heraldry is the cultural tradition and style of coats of arms and other heraldic achievements in both modern and historic Canada. It includes national, provincial, and civic arms, noble and personal arms, ecclesiastical heraldry, heraldic displays as corporate logos, and Canadian blazonry.
The royal standards of England were narrow, tapering swallow-tailed heraldic flags, of considerable length, used mainly for mustering troops in battle, in pageants and at funerals, by the monarchs of England. In high favour during the Tudor period, the Royal English Standard was a flag that was of a separate design and purpose to the Royal Banner. It featured St George's Cross at its head, followed by a number of heraldic devices, a supporter, badges or crests, with a motto—but it did not bear a coat of arms. The Royal Standard changed its composition frequently from reign to reign, but retained the motto Dieu et mon droit, meaning God and my right; which was divided into two bands: Dieu et mon and Droyt.
English heraldry is the form of coats of arms and other heraldic bearings and insignia used in England. It lies within the so-called Gallo-British tradition. Coats of arms in England are regulated and granted to individuals by the English kings of arms of the College of Arms. An individual's arms may also be borne 'by courtesy' by members of the holder's nuclear family, subject to a system of cadency marks, to differentiate those displays from the arms of the original holder. The English heraldic style is exemplified in the arms of British royalty, and is reflected in the civic arms of cities and towns, as well as the noble arms of individuals in England. Royal orders in England, such as the Order of the Garter, also maintain notable heraldic bearings.
Most prime ministers of the United Kingdom have enjoyed the right to display coats of arms and to this day, prime ministers have their ancestral arms approved, or new armorial bearings granted, either by the College of Arms or the Lyon Court.
The coat of arms of Castile was the heraldic emblem of its monarchs. Historian Michel Pastoureau says that the original purpose of heraldic emblems and seals was to facilitate the exercise of power and the identification of the ruler, due to what they offered for achieving these aims. These symbols were associated with the kingdom, and eventually also represented the intangible nature of the national sentiment or sense of belonging to a territory.
The armorial of British universities is the collection of coats of arms of universities in the United Kingdom. Modern arms of universities began appearing in England around the middle of the 15th century, with Oxford's being possibly the oldest university arms in the world, being adopted around the end of the 14th century. The earliest granting of university arms was to King's College Cambridge by Henry VI in 1449. Arms are granted by the College of Arms and Lyon Court. It has been suggested that new universities register arms in an attempt to appear more traditional or legitimate. As corporations, older university arms have historically been granted without a crest, however newer institutions use crests with mantling, including new colleges at older universities. The first crest granted to a university was to Leeds in 1905 while the first British university to be granted supporters was Sussex in 1962, although both Oxford and Cambridge have used angels as supporters and Cambridge has used the 'alma mater' emblem as a crest without these components being officially granted.
The coat of arms of Imperial College London is an heraldic emblem used by Imperial College London. Edward VII granted the college the arms on the 6 June 1908 by royal warrant. It is blazoned:
Per fesse in chief the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in base or, an open book proper inscribed with the word "Scientia"
This is a list of the official historical coats of arms or 'full heraldic achievements' of English primary and secondary education schools, grouped by region, as granted by the College of Arms. For some schools, the full heraldic achievement is displayed; for others just the escutcheon (shield) is shown.