A spirit of encouragement, collaboration, and shared commitment to Adventist education marked the British Union Conference (BUC) Headteachers’ Advisory Meeting on Wednesday, 24 June, as headteachers from all six Seventh-day Adventist schools across the United Kingdom gathered at the BUC headquarters.
The occasion was made especially significant by the visit of Dr Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Education Director for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who was accompanied by Dr Kayle de Waal, Education Director for the Trans-European Division (TED). Their visit highlighted the global Church’s commitment to Adventist education and its continued investment in nurturing young people for service to God and society.
Following a tour of Stanborough Primary School and Stanborough Secondary School, Dr Beardsley-Hardy and Dr de Waal met with BUC staff and school leaders for the Advisory Meeting.
Addressing the headteachers, Dr Beardsley-Hardy expressed her appreciation for their dedication, resilience, and faithful leadership in sustaining Adventist education amid increasing educational demands and changing government requirements. She acknowledged the challenges facing Adventist schools and encouraged leaders to remain steadfast in their mission of providing Christ-centred education.
The meeting concluded with a season of prayer, during which Dr Beardsley-Hardy prayed for God’s continued wisdom, protection, and blessing upon school leaders, teachers, students, governors, and families across the British Union Conference.
The day was further honoured by the attendance of Mr Enoch Kanagaraj BEM DL, one of Hertfordshire’s Deputy Lieutenants and a representative of His Majesty The King within the county. His presence recognised the valuable contribution Seventh-day Adventist schools continue to make to education, community life, and public service throughout the region.
Fellowship continued over a special three-course luncheon shared by the visiting guests, headteachers, and BUC staff. Despite the exceptionally warm summer weather, the gathering provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and reaffirm a shared commitment to Adventist education across the UK.
A Shared Commitment to Our Schools
While the visit was a source of encouragement, it also served as a timely reminder of the challenges facing Adventist education in the United Kingdom.
Our schools are far more than places of academic learning. They are centres of faith, character formation, discipleship, and mission, where young people are nurtured spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally.
Every day, dedicated teachers and staff invest in the lives of children and young people, helping to prepare them not only for academic success but also for a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ and a life of Christian service.
The future of Adventist education depends upon the continued support of the entire church family.
Members are invited to pray earnestly for our schools, headteachers, teachers, students, support staff, and governing boards. Churches are also encouraged to share the Save Our Schools appeal and consider how they can contribute financially to strengthening this vital ministry for future generations.
Together, we can help preserve and strengthen Adventist education across the United Kingdom, enabling our schools to continue developing young people who are academically equipped, spiritually grounded, and committed to serving God and their communities.
Please remember to watch and share the Save Our Schools appeal video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa7U8eiz7k) and prayerfully consider supporting this important ministry through regular giving.
BUC Education – Standing Order Details
British Union Conference of SDA
Bank: HSBC
Sort Code: 40-45-27
Account Number: 90183482
Reference: Education SOS
Every gift – large or small – is an investment in the future of our children, our schools, and the mission of the Church.
As Ellen G White reminds us:
“The work of true education and the work of redemption are one.”
May we continue to stand together in faith, prayer, and generosity as we support Seventh-day Adventist education across the United Kingdom.
Thank you for partnering with us in this important ministry.
