Mrs. Anna Drew, the founder of Bentick Higher Secondary School is portrayed as “the angel of perpetual youth, love benevolence and sacrifice”. She started this institution in 1837. She was a missionary sent by the London Missionary Society to cater to the needs of the orphans and destitute in Vepery. In those days, when education to the women folk was neglected, she started the school with 21 orphan children in a spacious airy bungalow.

In those days, needlework and scripture were the chief subjects. It is said by one of the pupils of that time that the needlework which was beautifully done, was sold in England and helped largely to pay the expenses of the school. After the death of Mrs. Anna Drew, the school was under care of Mrs. Bower and Mrs. Turnbull for a short period.

Then in September 1841, Mrs. William Porter took over the Management so effectively that for many years it was known as Mrs. Porter’s School. In the year 1852 the school moved to its present site.