It was a momentous day for St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School, the only state funded Greek Orthodox Secondary School in the UK, as the community came together to celebrate the official opening of the new school building. The official opening was carried out by the Rt Hon Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, and His Grace, Bishop Iakovos of Claudiopolis. 

The ceremony included Bishop Iakovos leading a service on behalf of His Eminence, Archbishop Nikitas of Great Britain and Thyateira, during which he blessed the new building and unveiled a portrait of His Eminence the late Archbishop Gregorios. Archbishop Gregorios’s vision and support were instrumental in the establishment of the school, which opened in 2013.  Archbishop Gregorios’s  portrait is now displayed in the main reception as a lasting tribute to his legacy. 

Guests at the event included His Excellency the Cyprus High Commissioner Dr Kyriacos Kouros, Members of Parliament, His Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, the Leader of Barnet Council and Councillors and members of the wider community.  

Ms Phillipson addressed the audience warmly, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that had gone into the project, and she also took time to meet with the Year 12 Politics students and the Student Council. 

Speaking at the ceremony to open the campus, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I know that this school, like so many schools across the country, is at the centre of its local community. It’s a real pleasure to be here for the opening of this fantastic new campus. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made it possible, for all you’ve done for the children who will pass through this wonderful new school this year, next year, and for generations to come”.