Behind the doors of St Andrew the Apostle's new home

With the first year at the secondary school’s new site nearing its end, four pupils give Leïla Davaud a grand tour of the Greek Orthodox institution

Five school students in a science lab leaning over an experiment — Credit – St Andrew the Apostle School

“Welcome to our school!” Clad in their uniforms, four year eight pupils await visitors at the entrance to St Andrew the Apostle. Members of the student council, the girls take great satisfaction in being guides for the day.

“Let’s go to the olive tree,” suggests Rafaela, eager to get started. She leads the way to the cafeteria, where shades of blue and white evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere. The olive tree – three words on the wall – marks the beginning of an enthusiastic tour blending memories, projects and pride.

“I feel bad for the students who finished school last year,” says Kaja. “They didn’t get a chance to enjoy all of this.”

For 13 years, St Andrew the Apostle stood just a few hundred metres from where the girls are chatting today. The Christian school in Brunswick Park has spent the past decade designing its “true home” with the support of local parents.

Rafaela moves on to describe the classrooms and their facilities. As the girls approach the theatre space, she points to the giant curtains. “It really creates a dramatic effect, don’t you think?”

As if she were already on stage, she speed walks ahead and, with a theatrical flourish, presents the art club’s photo montage. “It’s not my best creation,” she admits, “but it’s still an accomplishment.”

The tour then moves on to the science laboratories.

“Six of them, to be exact, and two more for specialist subjects,” explains Evie.

When asked to describe their new school in a single word, Sophia chooses “opportunities”. Later, headteacher Christopher Martin is told of her answer and can barely hide his delight. “This is what happens when young people feel that we care about them and their future,” he says. “The building was designed around their needs. We’ve created a space that helps establish routines and habits. Something pupils can rely on and build upon.

“It’s also given us, as teachers, opportunities to do more for our students. The extracurricular programme is now thriving, with more than 30 clubs covering everything from sport and art to debating.”

The girls make a brief detour to the library. “It’s a work in progress,” explains Daniel Antoniou, the school’s Business Manager. “We receive donations and buy books from charity shops. Our aim is to offer easy access to whatever reading material pupils may be looking for. We’re also fortunate to have a brilliant volunteer helping to keep the library running.”

From there, the group heads towards the sports facilities. “It’s gigantic! It makes you want to be good at sports,” jokes Rafaela. Dance studios, a football pitch and basketball courts all form part of the complex.

“The sports centre is something we’re particularly proud of,” says Christopher. “Previously, sports fixtures required pupils to travel to other schools. Hosting our first home event after moving to the new campus felt like a landmark moment, and most of the teachers came along to support.”

The sports facilities and new laboratories have also enabled the school to play a greater role within the local community.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for primary schools to visit for science taster sessions, where pupils can dissect sheep hearts and learn about anatomy firsthand,” Christopher explains. “We also hope to host sports days for schools that don’t have access to these kinds of facilities. We’re trying to include as many people as possible.”

Looking ahead, St Andrew the Apostle hopes to welcome even more community groups onto the site.

“We would eventually like to make the premises available to language schools, as the classrooms are very versatile. Local weekend football and basketball leagues could also make use of our pitches. There are lots of possibilities.”

Recently, the school has organised an interfaith event for Barnet’s Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education. “It’s important for us to celebrate religious education in all its forms,” says Christopher. “We all share one common goal: giving young people access to excellent teaching and meaningful opportunities.”

As the girls return to their PSHE lesson, the tour comes to an end and the rhythm of the school day resumes. For those considering joining them, the school’s open evening on 6th October will offer a first glimpse of the opportunities that await.

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