St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School in North London has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on 23 and 24 April 2024. The headteacher, Philip Hills, leads the school, which is part of the Russell Education Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Colin Mackinlay and a board of trustees chaired by Karen Lynch. The school community is described as a family, with pupils expressing happiness and warmth in their interactions with staff. The environment fosters safety and confidence, allowing students to approach staff for support when needed. The school emphasizes values of kindness and forgiveness, which are reflected in the behavior of the pupils.
Pupils are encouraged to strive for excellence, with high expectations set by school leaders. This commitment to learning is evident in the strong academic outcomes achieved by students. The school maintains high standards for behavior, with clear rules that pupils understand and follow. The diverse school community is embraced, allowing pupils to express themselves confidently. A variety of clubs and activities are available, including chess, drama, and a student newspaper, which pupils actively participate in, achieving success in inter-school competitions.
The curriculum is broad and ambitious, with careful planning regarding the knowledge pupils acquire. Most subjects are taught effectively, and pupils have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of subjects, including in the sixth form. However, the proportion of pupils taking the English Baccalaureate is lower than expected, prompting the school to take action to increase participation in modern foreign languages.
Character development is a notable strength of the school, with leaders aiming to provide enriching opportunities for pupils. Current affairs discussions during form times help students reflect on moral teachings. Individualized careers guidance is provided, enabling pupils to make informed decisions about their future paths.
Teachers are knowledgeable and ensure that pupils grasp concepts before progressing to new material. Consistent training across the school supports effective curriculum implementation, leading to high achievement in examinations. Younger pupils also perform well, particularly in performing arts, where they demonstrate a solid understanding of technical vocabulary and theatrical devices. In science, sixth form students are encouraged to be inquisitive and articulate logical reasoning for their predictions.
The school is committed to supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they typically achieve well. However, the systems for reviewing and sharing information about these pupils' needs require improvement to enhance lesson adaptations. The school has established processes to support early reading development, but some actions are not fully secure, leading to delays in support for struggling readers.
The school environment is calm, with pupils exhibiting positive attitudes towards learning. High standards of behavior are maintained through a clear behavior policy understood by all pupils. Staff prioritize pupil well-being, contributing to a supportive atmosphere. The trust and governors are aware of the school's strengths and areas for development, effectively supporting and challenging leaders to raise standards. A culture of transparency and approachability has been established, resulting in a happy staff community.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, ensuring pupil safety. To improve, the school needs to further develop its early reading support systems and ensure timely assistance for pupils with special educational needs. Overall, St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School continues to provide a good educational experience for its pupils, fostering a supportive and ambitious learning environment.
