29 Apr 2026, 07:18Robert Kyei-GyauLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Stanborough Secondary School Makes Strong Case for Adventist Education During London Ghana Visit
The Sabbath service on 25 April 2026 will be etched in the memories of worshippers at the London Ghana SDA Church for years to come. It will be remembered as the day Stanborough Secondary School visited and made a compelling case for Seventh-day Adventist education.
Earlier in the day, everything appeared routine. Under clear, sunny skies, Sabbath School and other activities proceeded as usual, creating a calm and joyful atmosphere.
However, during the Divine Service, the tone shifted dramatically. Fifteen students, accompanied by half a dozen parents and four members of staff from Stanborough Secondary School—led by headteacher Mrs Jeanetta Liburd—arrived in what was described as a “holy invasion.” Their presence proved engaging, uplifting, and deeply impactful for the London Ghana congregation.
Located in Stanborough, Watford, just 30 minutes from London, the school occupies a spacious 40-acre campus that provides an ideal setting for both academic and boarding life. It remains the only Seventh-day Adventist secondary school in the United Kingdom offering boarding facilities.
Divine Service
The visiting group led much of the service. Three speakers—Hugo, Sizipo, and Mrs Georgina Morrison—delivered powerful and inspiring messages. Prior to the sermon, a cello rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Mika, accompanied by Mrs Morrison on the keyboard, captivated the congregation and created a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Spotlight by the Headteacher
In her address, Mrs Liburd outlined the school’s mission, vision, and ethos. She announced that the boarding provision, closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been approved to reopen.
“This means that children from across the country—and indeed around the world—will once again have the opportunity to study at an SDA school in the UK,” she said.
She noted that the school has operated for over a century and serves students from more than 20 nationalities. The campus also includes a primary school, Stanborough Park SDA Church, and the British Union Conference.
“We are educating for eternity,” she emphasised. “In the past four years, 25 students have been baptised. Each term we hold a spiritual emphasis week, and during the last one, 20 students requested Bible studies.”
She also highlighted the school’s strong commitment to community service, with students participating in food bank support, school outreach, care home visits, park clean-ups, and initiatives to assist the homeless.
Importance of Music
Music plays a central role in student development. All students in Years 7 to 9 are required to learn a musical instrument of their choice. As a result, the school maintains both an orchestra and a church choir, supporting a well-rounded education.
Global Reach
Mrs Liburd explained that the school collaborates with an Adventist university in the United States. Over the past two years, students have visited Loma Linda University in California to study STEM subjects, including artificial intelligence and coding.
“STEM is at the heart of what we do,” she said. “Students are even learning to train AI systems to recognise defects in the human body.”
Leadership Training
Leadership development is another key focus. On the last Friday of each month, primary and secondary students gather for a joint assembly where they are given opportunities to preach and lead.
Students also take on leadership roles such as prefects, student association officers, class pastors, presidents, treasurers, and music leaders—helping them build confidence, responsibility, and character.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mrs Liburd shared the school’s vision of nurturing outstanding citizens 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 exceptional by inspectors.
Reopening the boarding facility remains a key priority. She also invited retired members of the community to support the school through initiatives such as the “Big Help Out.”
Funding and Accessibility
Addressing affordability, Mrs Liburd stated that the school’s fees are approximately 30 percent lower than comparable private schools in the area. She also highlighted the availability of four grants to assist families.
“We are working towards building a scholarship fund,” she said, “with the hope that one day we can fully support students whose families are unable to afford the fees.”
She challenged the London Ghana SDA Church 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. She shared the story of an atheist student who enrolled four years ago and was baptised last year.
The Sabbath service on 25 April 2026 will be etched in the memories of worshippers at the London Ghana SDA Church for years to come. It will be remembered as the day Stanborough Secondary School visited and made a compelling case for Seventh-day Adventist education.
Earlier in the day, everything appeared routine. Under clear, sunny skies, Sabbath School and other activities proceeded as usual, creating a calm and joyful atmosphere.
However, during the Divine Service, the tone shifted dramatically. Fifteen students, accompanied by half a dozen parents and four members of staff from Stanborough Secondary School—led by headteacher Mrs Jeanetta Liburd—arrived in what was described as a “holy invasion.” Their presence proved engaging, uplifting, and deeply impactful for the London Ghana congregation.
Located in Stanborough, Watford, just 30 minutes from London, the school occupies a spacious 40-acre campus that provides an ideal setting for both academic and boarding life. It remains the only Seventh-day Adventist secondary school in the United Kingdom offering boarding facilities.
Divine Service
The visiting group led much of the service. Three speakers—Hugo, Sizipo, and Mrs Georgina Morrison—delivered powerful and inspiring messages. Prior to the sermon, a cello rendition of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Mika, accompanied by Mrs Morrison on the keyboard, captivated the congregation and created a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
Spotlight by the Headteacher
In her address, Mrs Liburd outlined the school’s mission, vision, and ethos. She announced that the boarding provision, closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, has now been approved to reopen.
“This means that children from across the country—and indeed around the world—will once again have the opportunity to study at an SDA school in the UK,” she said.
She noted that the school has operated for over a century and serves students from more than 20 nationalities. The campus also includes a primary school, Stanborough Park SDA Church, and the British Union Conference.
“We are educating for eternity,” she emphasised. “In the past four years, 25 students have been baptised. Each term we hold a spiritual emphasis week, and during the last one, 20 students requested Bible studies.”
She also highlighted the school’s strong commitment to community service, with students participating in food bank support, school outreach, care home visits, park clean-ups, and initiatives to assist the homeless.
Importance of Music
Music plays a central role in student development. All students in Years 7 to 9 are required to learn a musical instrument of their choice. As a result, the school maintains both an orchestra and a church choir, supporting a well-rounded education.
Global Reach
Mrs Liburd explained that the school collaborates with an Adventist university in the United States. Over the past two years, students have visited Loma Linda University in California to study STEM subjects, including artificial intelligence and coding.
“STEM is at the heart of what we do,” she said. “Students are even learning to train AI systems to recognise defects in the human body.”
Leadership Training
Leadership development is another key focus. On the last Friday of each month, primary and secondary students gather for a joint assembly where they are given opportunities to preach and lead.
Students also take on leadership roles such as prefects, student association officers, class pastors, presidents, treasurers, and music leaders—helping them build confidence, responsibility, and character.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Mrs Liburd shared the school’s vision of nurturing outstanding citizens 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 exceptional by inspectors.
Reopening the boarding facility remains a key priority. She also invited retired members of the community to support the school through initiatives such as the “Big Help Out.”
Funding and Accessibility
Addressing affordability, Mrs Liburd stated that the school’s fees are approximately 30 percent lower than comparable private schools in the area. She also highlighted the availability of four grants to assist families.
“We are working towards building a scholarship fund,” she said, “with the hope that one day we can fully support students whose families are unable to afford the fees.”
She challenged the London Ghana SDA Church 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. She shared the story of an atheist student who enrolled four years ago and was baptised last year.
