Suzhou No.1 High School is the first public school in the history of Suzhou to implement modern philosophy and methodology in education. It was founded in 1907 and called "Cao Qiao Middle School" by his alumni. It continues to meet the standards of the National Model (Senior Middle School by the Bureau of Education in Jiangsu Province), and it is also listed as one of the four―star senior middle schools in Jiangsu Province. 

   After a century of development, a lot of renowned educators, historians linguists and artists, such as Ye Shengtao, Gu Jiegan, Hu Shen, Yan Wenliang, have graduated from Suzhou No.1 High School. Moreover, it has produced thousands of experts in various fields, including 16 members of the Science and Engineering Academies of China. 

   In the early years, the school successively joined together ZhenYi Academy, Jiang su Li Zhong Academy, Wuxian Xian li Middle School, Bo Le Middle School, Le Yi Female Middle School, Wu Ai middle school, Le Qun Junior School. In 1995, San Yuan Middle School became a branch of No.1 Middle School. In 2000, the junior part separated from the school and the Cao Qiao Experimental Middle School (a private school subsidized by the state) was founded. After two years, New Suzhou Cao Qiao Middle, a private school jointly run by No. 1 Middles School and an educational enterprise came into being. In the same year, Suzhou No.2 Middle School merged with No.1 Middle School. 

   Now a large-scale, modernized school group under the name of Suzhou No. 1 Middle School is taking shape, combining the systems of public, private subsidized by the state and private schools. It has become the largest school group in scope and population among all the middle schools in the city. 

   The school has always followed the development-oriented principles maintaining approaches and styles. Our goal is to produce graduates equipped with knowledge and modern science and technology as well as high virtues 

   We firmly believe through the joint efforts of the staff and the students, our school will serve as a model both in and out of Jiangsu province. 

   In recent years the school has won the following aawards: