Hornsey Atatürk School Rings in the New Academic Year in London

AVRUPA AGENCY (AVA), LONDON – Hornsey Atatürk School, one of London’s oldest Turkish community schools, welcomed the 2025–2026 academic year with the ringing of the first school bell. Teachers and students returned with joy and determination, ready to continue a long-standing tradition of Turkish education in the heart of the UK. For decades, Hornsey Atatürk School has been more than just a place of learning; it has been a cultural home for generations of Turkish children. The school plays a vital role in ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots while excelling in the British education system.

School President Türker Çakıcı reminded families of their responsibility: “Families, encourage your children to attend Turkish language classes. For nearly 45 years, we have worked to preserve the beauty and awareness of our native language. If children lose their language, they risk losing their identity. Language is not only a tool of communication but also the carrier of our traditions, values, and history.”

The Importance of Turkish Education for Children

Education experts and community leaders emphasize that maintaining Turkish as a spoken and written language among children in the diaspora is crucial. Mastering Turkish allows young people to communicate with older generations, understand their cultural heritage, and strengthen their sense of belonging. Studies also show that bilingual children often perform better academically, benefiting from enhanced cognitive and problem-solving skills.

Çakıcı added: “The more our children strengthen their Turkish, the better they understand who they are. A child who grows up without knowledge of their mother tongue often feels disconnected from their family roots. This is why Turkish schools abroad are essential—not only for education but also for the survival of our cultural identity.”

Supporting the Next Generation

Hornsey Atatürk School provides a full educational pathway—from early childhood classes to preparation for UK state examinations such as GCSEs and A Levels. These qualifications allow Turkish students to enter universities on equal footing with their peers in Britain, often with additional advantages.

A Message to Europe’s Turkish Families

While Hornsey Atatürk School has been serving London’s Turkish community since 1965, its story carries a wider lesson for Turkish communities across Europe. Preserving the mother tongue is a shared responsibility. By investing in Turkish education, families ensure that their children remain bilingual, culturally confident, and better prepared for both academic and professional life.

As Çakıcı concluded: “Our mission is to keep Turkish alive, to teach it, and to pass it on. Turkish education is not only a duty to our children but also a promise to our ancestors and future generations.”

Contact Information
Hornsey Atatürk School (Hornsey School for Girls)

TEL: 07727 616227

HORNSEY ATATÜRK OKULU (Hornsey School for Girls)

Türker Çakici- Zeliş Özakınsel
HORNSEY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS INDERWICK ROAD, HARINGEY, LONDON N8 9BG
07958338868
[email protected]