The Bartłomiej Nowodworski High School No. 1 in Cracow is one of the oldest and most prestigious secondary schools in Poland. Its history dates back to the 16th century. The school was founded in 1588 thanks to a foundation established by Bartłomiej Nowodworski, a knight and patron of learning. Initially, it operated as part of the Krakow Academy (today’s Jagiellonian University) and was intended to prepare young people for further studies. Over the following centuries, the school underwent various organisational and curricular changes, adapting to political and social realities. During the Partitions, the school played an important role in preserving Polish culture and language. In the 19th century, it gained a reputation as one of the best secondary schools in Galicia. During the Second World War, the school’s activities were suspended by the occupying forces, but teachers and pupils continued to teach in secret. After the war, the school resumed its activities and continued its tradition of high-quality education.
Today, the school remains a symbol of Kraków’s centuries-old educational tradition, combining a rich history with a modern approach to teaching.