The Sabbath service on 25 April will long be remembered by worshippers at the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist church. It marked a special occasion as Stanborough Secondary School visited the congregation, presenting a compelling case for the value of Seventh-day Adventist education.
The day began as any other Sabbath, bright and uplifting, with Sabbath School and morning activities proceeding as usual. However, during the Divine Service, the atmosphere shifted noticeably.
Fifteen students, accompanied by several parents and four members of staff led by Headteacher Mrs Jeanetta Liburd, arrived in what could best be described as a “holy invasion.” Their presence brought energy, inspiration, and a meaningful connection that was warmly embraced by the congregation.
Located in Stanborough, Watford, just 30 minutes from central London, the school is set on a 40-acre campus that offers both day and boarding facilities. It remains the only Seventh-day Adventist secondary school in the United Kingdom currently providing boarding provision.
A Spirit-Led Divine Service
The visiting group led much of the Divine Service, with three speakers, Hugo, Sizipo, and Mrs Georgina Morrison, delivering messages that resonated with those present.
Prior to the sermon, a moving cello rendition of ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ by Mika, accompanied by Mrs Morrison on the keyboard, created a powerful moment of reflection and worship.
Spotlight from the Headteacher
In her presentation, Mrs Liburd outlined the school’s mission, vision, and ethos, highlighting its commitment to holistic, faith-based education.
She announced that the school’s boarding provision, closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, has now been approved to reopen.
“This means that children from across the country, and indeed the world, will once again have the opportunity to study at a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school here in the UK,” she said.
With a history spanning over 100 years, the school currently serves students from more than 20 nationalities. The campus also includes a primary school, Stanborough Park Seventh-day Adventist church, and the British Union Conference offices.
“We are educating for eternity,” Mrs Liburd emphasised. “In the past four years, 25 students have been baptised. Each term we hold a spiritual emphasis week, and during the most recent one, 20 students requested Bible studies.”
She also highlighted the school’s strong commitment to community engagement. Students regularly participate in service initiatives such as supporting food banks, assisting in primary schools, visiting care homes, maintaining local parks, fundraising for the homeless, and preparing meals for those in need.
The Role of Music
Music plays a central role in the school’s educational experience. All students in Years 7 to 9 are required to learn a musical instrument, contributing to a vibrant culture of performance and creativity.
The school’s orchestra and choir reflect its commitment to nurturing both talent and spiritual expression.
Global Outlook
Mrs Liburd also highlighted the school’s international engagement, including collaboration with an Adventist university in the United States.
“For the past two years, students have visited Loma Linda University in California to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) subjects, including artificial intelligence and coding.”
“STEM is at the heart of what we do. Students are even learning to train AI to recognise defects in the human body.”
Leadership Development
Leadership training is another key focus. On the last Friday of each month, the primary and secondary schools come together for a joint assembly where students are given opportunities to preach.
Students are also encouraged to take on leadership roles, including prefects, student association leaders, class pastors, presidents, treasurers, and music leaders, helping them to develop confidence, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mrs Liburd shared the school’s vision to develop outstanding citizens who are prepared for service and “educated for eternity.”
“We aim to improve academic outcomes while maintaining exceptional personal development,” she said, noting that the school’s pastoral care has been rated as outstanding by inspectors.
Reopening the boarding facility remains a key priority, alongside initiatives such as the ‘Big Help Out’, which invites retired members of the community to contribute their time and expertise.
Funding and Accessibility
Addressing concerns about affordability, Mrs Liburd explained that the school’s fees are approximately 30 per cent lower than those of comparable private schools in the area. She also highlighted the availability of grants to support families.
“We are working towards building a scholarship fund,” she added, “with the hope that one day we will be able to fully support students whose families cannot afford the fees.”
She encouraged the London Ghana congregation to consider sponsoring at least one child to benefit from Adventist education.
Mrs Liburd also noted that the school attracts students from a wide range of religious backgrounds, including Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, and Jewish families, drawn by its strong values and holistic approach to education.
She shared the testimony of a student who joined the school as an atheist four years ago and was baptised last year.
(Also see Messenger May 2026 Educating for Eternity for additional education articles.)
