St Andrew the Apostle Greek Orthodox School Review 2026: Distinctive Heritage, Strong Progress

As the country’s first state-funded Greek Orthodox secondary school, St Andrew the Apostle occupies a unique position in England’s educational landscape. Established in 2013 under the Russell Education Trust, it serves a diverse catchment in Barnet, blending traditional academic rigour with a distinct Christian ethos. While the school has historically operated from the North London Business Park, the long-term vision has focused on its permanent site at Brunswick Park Road, a transition that defines its current physical context.

The school’s identity is forged by its "Christian ethos and Greek heritage," a combination that permeates daily life without being exclusionary. Students from all backgrounds, Greek Orthodox, other Christian denominations, and those of other faiths or none, mix in corridors that feel purposeful and disciplined. The core values of Excellence, Respect, and Responsibility are not abstract; they are cited regularly in assemblies and underpin the calm behaviour noted by visitors.

Executive Headteacher Dr Philip Hills, who took up the post in June 2023, leads an institution that feels tighter-knit than many large comprehensive schools. The constraints of the temporary accommodation over the last decade have, counter-intuitively, fostered a strong sense of community. Staff know students well, and the "school family" atmosphere is a genuine strength often cited by parents.

The curriculum is proudly academic. As one might expect, the study of Classics and Greek language is a signature feature, though not to the detriment of a broad modern offering. The distinctiveness lies in the calendar: the school observes Orthodox Easter and celebrates feast days, creating a rhythm of the year that sets it apart from neighbouring schools.

Academic outcomes at GCSE are a clear headline strength. In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.4, indicating that students achieve nearly half a grade higher across all subjects than their peers with similar starting points nationally.

Attainment is equally solid. The average Attainment 8 score of 50.3 sits comfortably above the England average of 45.9. While the school ranks 1191st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), its value-added performance makes it one of the more effective schools in Barnet for ensuring student progress.

The Sixth Form presents a contrasting picture. As a smaller and developing provision, results have not yet matched the heights of the main school. In 2024, 23% of grades were A*-B, and the average grade profile sits in the national lower band (bottom 40% of schools in England). Families should differentiate between the robust, high-performing 11-16 provision and the post-16 stage, which is still establishing its academic ceiling.

Teaching follows a "knowledge-rich" philosophy typical of the Russell Education Trust. Lessons are structured and teacher-led, with a heavy emphasis on direct instruction. This traditional approach suits the academic focus; exercise books are expected to be neat, and homework is set frequently.

The broad curriculum includes compulsory Classics or Latin for many in the lower years, reinforcing the school’s heritage. Mathematics and Science are taught with rigour, reflected in the strong Ebacc entry rates. In the classroom, expectations are high. Low-level disruption is rare, allowing teachers to explore subjects in depth rather than managing behaviour.

Progression from Year 11 to the Sixth Form is the primary route, though some students opt for larger colleges in the borough.

For Year 13 leavers, university remains the dominant pathway. In 2024, 66% of leavers progressed to university. While Oxbridge success is currently rare, with no offers recorded from four applications in the most recent cycle, graduates secure places at a range of institutions. The destination data reflects a Sixth Form that supports students to finding appropriate courses, though it is not yet an engine for elite university entry in the same way as some local selective rivals.

St Andrew the Apostle is a state-funded academy, meaning there are no tuition fees. Admissions are coordinated by Barnet Council, but the criteria are specific.

The school is oversubscribed, with approximately 2 applications for every place in 2024. Half of the places (50%) are designated as "Faith Places" for children from Greek Orthodox families. Parents applying for these must complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) signed by their priest.

The remaining 50% are "Open Places," allocated by distance from the school gate without reference to faith. This split ensures the school remains a community asset for New Southgate families while serving the wider Greek Orthodox diaspora.

Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is organised through a House system named after saints, providing vertical integration where older students mentor younger ones. The Christian ethos drives the pastoral approach; forgiveness and reconciliation are key themes in behaviour management.

The school is small enough that no child remains anonymous. The Special Educational Needs department is praised for its inclusive approach, supporting students with a range of needs to access the full curriculum.

Extracurricular life leans into the school’s unique identity. The Byzantine Choir and Greek dancing clubs are flagship activities that perform at community events and services. However, the offer is not limited to heritage arts.

Sports teams compete locally, with football and basketball particularly popular. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is well-established, offering students opportunities for expedition and service. STEM clubs and debating societies round out a programme that encourages students to look beyond the syllabus.

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

While there are no fees for education, families should budget for the usual costs associated with secondary schooling, including the uniform (which is strict), sports kit, and voluntary contributions for trips and enrichment activities. The school provides support for families eligible for Free School Meals, including assistance with uniform costs and essential equipment.

The school day runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The uniform is smart, blazers and ties are non-negotiable, and worn with pride.

Transport links to the North London Business Park (and the new permanent site nearby) are good, with New Southgate station and Arnos Grove tube within reach. Parents should note that traffic around the site can be heavy at drop-off times.

Sixth Form maturity. While the main school is established and high-performing, the Sixth Form is smaller and yields lower top-grade percentages (0% A* in 2024). High-flying students may need to weigh the benefits of continuity against larger sixth form colleges with longer track records of A* success.

Site transition. The move to the permanent purpose-built site has been a long-term project. While this promises state-of-the-art facilities, families should clarify the current status of the build and any interim arrangements during the transition period.

Faith character. The Orthodox ethos is central. While the school welcomes all, families should be comfortable with the regular attendance at church services and the specific Christian values that shape school policy.

St Andrew the Apostle offers a distinctive education that marries the cultural depth of Greek heritage with the rigour of the English national curriculum. The result is a school with a strong soul and impressive progress scores at GCSE. Best suited to families who value traditional discipline and community ethos, and who want their children to be part of a school with a clear moral compass. The main challenge is securing a place in the open category, given the rising local demand.