School

Hampden Gurney School owes a great deal to two Anglican priests, both of whom worked in this area of London. The first of these is, of course, John Hampden Gurney (1802 -1862) after whom the school is named. It was his vision which culminated in the founding of the school in 1863 after his death. The second is Fr Michael Burgess, late Vicar of the parish of the Annunciation from 1977 - 2005, and who died in May 2007. It was Fr Burgess' vision and determination, in the face of strong opposition, which resulted in the wonderful new school building which was opened in 2002. "Only the best is good enough for our children" was this priest's attitude to Christian education and, thanks to him, our children enjoy one of the most innovative and attractive school buildings in the country.
Over the years, the schools achievements have improved and the OFSTED reports comment favourably on this improvement. The school provides the children with an all-round education to a very high standard, the whole being underpinned by a strong Christian ethos.

Icon especially commissioned for the school chapel altar,

painted by local artist, Eleftherios Foulidis.

A picture of of one of the Nativity Play

productions (probably 1963/64).

"I am the far left kneeling "angel". Pamel Heath (ed) played the Virgin Mary, Martin Gibbs was Joseph and Lewis Cleverdon was Gabriel.

I'm afraid the other players' names elude me. The plays were always performed inside the church but I believe this was an official photo

(for the Marylebone Mercury) and we were set up in the hall of the

old school in Hampden Gurney Street"

(published with kind permission of Teresa Exenberger (née Measures).