Mr. Peter Helps, fondly called ‘PH’, an English expatriate with a degree in History, was the first Principal of Trinity College. He started with the College in 1958 at Melbourne Street in Port of Spain and retired in 1969, at which time he returned to England while, in his own words, “still being on the right side of 50”.

He was a soldier at the rank of Major who brought many of the characteristics of military life to bear on the development of the College. Under his stewardship, boys had to be neatly groomed, properly attired, well-mannered and disciplined at all times. He was a disciplinarian.

Peter Helps had a vision to make Trinity College the best school in the Nation and he sought to do so by ensuring that the students were exposed to a broad education that encompassed a wide range of academic subjects, sporting disciplines, spiritual guidance, morality and ethics. During his tenure, Trinity College established itself as a very prestigious school.

Being a soldier, he believed in manliness, honesty and leadership, qualities that he expected of every boy who attended the College.

Mr. Helps established a scholarship in his will for deserving Trinity College alumni to attend Oxford University.

The Trinity College Alumni Association recognises Mr. Peter Helps posthumously for his vision and legacy of leadership and for his contribution to the development of Trinity College.