We are a dedicated community of educators, parents, and volunteers united by a shared purpose — to create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for Ukrainian children and families. Our Saturday school opened on 25 May 2024 with a clear mission: to preserve Ukrainian language, culture, and identity for children whose lives have been disrupted by the war in Ukraine.
Founded by Antonina Grebeniuk — a respected community organiser behind major Bristol initiatives such as Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations, Ukraine Not Forgotten, and the Erased from the Face of the Earth exhibition at M Shed — the school is much more than a place of learning. It is a community hub where children build friendships, strengthen their cultural identity, and feel proud of who they are and where they come from.
Our vision is to deliver high-quality education rooted in Ukrainian culture while supporting both academic development and emotional wellbeing. Through language teaching, creative arts, music, dance, and cultural activities, we nurture confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging.
Alongside our education work in the UK, we are committed to providing direct humanitarian and community support connected to Ukraine and displaced families.
Provision of medical supplies and essential medical equipment
Distribution of humanitarian and charitable aid to affected communities
Supplying essential baby items and family support packages
Supporting training programmes for medical personnel
Saturday school education for Ukrainian children
Support for individuals and families adjusting to new communities
Programmes that support positive mental and physical health and wellbeing
Your support directly funds vital services each school term and enables our wider humanitarian work, including:
Ukrainian language and cultural education
Teacher salaries and classroom learning materials
Venue hire for education and dance activities
Curriculum development and exam preparation
Art, music, dance, and wellbeing programmes
Practical support for refugee families, including translation and integration support
Every donation helps create a brighter, more stable future for children and families while strengthening the wider community around them.
The Ukrainian School works in partnership with the Ukraine Aid and Welfare charity, founded by Antonina Grebeniuk, alongside trustees William Maude-Roxby, Tetiana Bezsmertna, and Oleksandra Vereshchagina. Together, we are committed to preserving Ukrainian culture and providing meaningful support to our community locally and across the UK.
As Trustee William Maude-Roxby explains:
“We are incredibly proud to see the confidence and joy children experience when they can learn and communicate in their own language. Our school provides a vital space for students to connect with their peers, celebrate their culture, and maintain a strong sense of identity. Seeing the positive impact on children and families is truly inspiring.”
