Disce aut discede

The Coat of arms of Royal College with the state motto "Disce aut Discede"

Disce aut Discede (Latin "Learn or Leave") is the motto of Royal College, Colombo. The exact author or date the motto was adapted by the college is unknown, however the first mention of the motto was during the tenure of Principal Todd (1871-1878) who constantly reminded the dullards that they must learn or get out. Since then the motto is associated with the school's high educational standard.

It is also the motto of Gosfield Independent School in Essex, England, and the variation "Aut Disce, Aut Discede" is the motto of Hutton Grammar School in Preston, Lancashire. It was also for many years the motto of Middlesbrough High School. "Disce aut Discede" is also the motto of Cornwall College in Montego Bay Jamaica. Cornwall College was established in 1896, however it is not clear when "Disce aut Discede" was adopted as the school's motto. Furthermore, "Disce aut Discede" is also the motto of King's School Rochester in Kent, written on the coat of arms.

Royal College Motto on top of the Main Building

The coat of arms of the University of Manchester Surgical Society also contains the motto "disce aut discede".

References

• THE MOTTO, royalcollege.lk