Founded in 1964 and managed by the Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, St. John's College, Anchal is engaged itself in a relentless pursuit to make its "light shine before men" as envisaged in the motto "Luceat lux vestra coram Hominibus".

Begining with Pre-degree course, it began to offer Degree courses in various disciplines in 1967-68 and Post Graduate course in Mathematics in 1995-96. Situated in the remote eastern hilly regions of Quilon district, this institution is the only succour to the young men and women in the nearby hamlets.