History of Polish School

The Polish School beside the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa and Saint Kazimierz  existed in the years between World War I and II. It was closed during World War II. After the war, when a large number of Poles found themselves in England, a School was needed for the new generation of Polish children born in Britain .

In 1950, the parish priest, Fr. Turulski, reopened the Polish School.

A Parents' Association was established in 1952, which took over the responsibility of running the school.

Initially lessons were held in the halls beneath the church, later classes were moved to the nearby English school of St. John the Evangelist.

In 1964, the parish and school purchased a house at number 20 Devonia Road, where a couple of classes were taught. Later the nursery classes were moved there, and the house contained the school library, a costume store and a  room for  scouts and guides meetings.

However, as the number of pupils grew, most lessons were held from 1965 onwards in Islington Green Comprehensive school, which was close to Devonia Road.

In July 2000, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary. A commemorative booklet was published outlining the history of the school, and containing work produced by the pupils.

In the summer of 2001 Islington Green School unexpectedly cancelled the lease, and after much searching, the Polish school moved to  Islington Arts and Media School in Finsbury Park. Unfortunately, this school gave only a year's contract, and a new venue had to be found for the following year. This time, Polish staff and parents in Finchley Catholic High School came to the school's aid and suggested that the school be approached for the use of its premises. The school agreed and offered the use of their buildings, and the Polish School moved there in 2002.

In September 2008 the Polish School  moved to new premises at Greig City Academy in Hornsey. A new school was opened at Finchley, which is run by Fr. Krzysztof Kawczynski from Highgate- Finchley parish.

The Polish School currently has 350 students.