Scotland’s first Orthodox Christian primary school celebrates “very good” inspection report

Families, staff, and the church community are celebrating after Scotland’s first Orthodox Christian primary school received a highly favorable inspection report.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland rated St Andrew’s Orthodox Church School, Edinburgh as “very good” across every category, just a year after it opened its doors.

Inspectors praised the school’s leadership, curriculum, and teaching, as well as its commitment to children’s well-being in the report published this month (SEPTEMBER). “Very good” is the second highest possible result, with this report placing it in the top 20 percent of primary schools in Scotland.

The school was founded with the blessing and support of His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain and under the spiritual guidance of Bishop Raphael of Ilion. Families in the St Andrews Orthodox Church Community were inspired to combine a rigorous, classical curriculum with a Christian ethos and a joyful, low-tech environment.

Set in Newington, on the south side of Edinburgh, the school has recently been approved to increase its capacity from 15 to 30 pupils.

His Grace, Bishop Raphael, said: “This is wonderful news…