About us
Azbukarche Bulgarian School – Glasgow
Azbukarche Bulgarian School – Glasgow was founded on one simple but very important idea — that our children can grow up far from Bulgaria without growing away from everything Bulgarian.
For families living abroad, the connection with Bulgaria does not always form on its own. Children grow up in a different language and culture, and Bulgarian often remains the language of the home alone. That is precisely why we believe they need a place of their own — somewhere to speak Bulgarian, to meet other Bulgarian children, to discover their history, traditions and culture, and to build, step by step, a sense of belonging and a Bulgarian national identity.
Our mission
Far more than a Sunday school
For us, Azbukarche is far more than a Sunday school. It is a community. Our mission is to create a warm, positive and supportive learning environment in which children enjoy their lessons and feel free to speak, to ask questions, to make friends and to be themselves — while we work to keep the Bulgarian language and culture alive for them.
We want Bulgarian lessons to be more than one more subject in the week. We want children to understand why their language matters — because it lets them talk to their grandparents, read Bulgarian books, understand the songs and stories of our own childhood, and stay connected to their family and their roots.
How we teach
Solid academic grounding in Bulgarian
Teaching at Azbukarche combines rigorous academic preparation with the everyday, practical use of the Bulgarian language.
We also understand the particular challenges faced by multilingual children growing up in a foreign-language environment.
Depending on their age and year group, children develop:
- reading and writing skills;
- grammar, spelling and language awareness;
- vocabulary, and confident expression in speech and writing;
- reading literacy and a knowledge of Bulgarian literature;
- an understanding of the history and geography of Bulgaria;
- familiarity with Bulgarian traditions, customs and culture.
Our story
Our journey
From a small playgroup for pre-school children to a recognised Bulgarian Sunday school — Azbukarche has grown together with the children and the Bulgarian community in Glasgow.
2018
The beginning
Azbukarche opened its doors in 2018 as a playgroup for pre-school children.
2022
From playgroup to school
In 2022 Azbukarche grew into a primary school, teaching children from the preparatory year through to grade IV. The school is registered under local legislation as a non-profit organisation working in pre-school and primary education, registration number: SC764176.
2023
A Bulgarian Sunday school under the “Mother Tongue and Culture Abroad” national programme
In 2023 Azbukarche Bulgarian School was added to the list of Bulgarian schools abroad held by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science under the national programme “Mother Tongue and Culture Abroad”.
2025
A Bulgarian Sunday school under Decree No. 90
In 2025 Azbukarche was included in the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science’s list of Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad under Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 90 (ПМС №90).
Today
Still growing
Today Azbukarche continues to grow alongside its pupils. From those first sessions for the youngest children in 2018, we have become a school that brings together education, the Bulgarian language, culture, traditions and community.
Yet the most important thing has not changed — our wish to create a place where Bulgarian children abroad know their roots, speak their language and feel that they belong.
Since 2018 we have grown with a single mission — to keep Bulgaria alive in the hearts of our children.
Beyond the textbook
Bulgaria beyond the textbook
We believe a connection with Bulgaria cannot be built from textbooks alone.
That is why our extracurricular activities, celebrations, projects and initiatives are such an important part of school life. Children can learn Bulgarian folk dances, discover the traditions, customs, everyday life and culture of Bulgaria, and take an active part in school performances and events.
Through Baba Marta, Christmas, Easter, folk songs and dances, traditional Bulgarian costumes, folk tales and family customs, Bulgaria becomes not simply a country the children hear about, but something close, familiar and personal.
How lessons run
In-person and online learning
In person — every Saturday
Our main lessons take place every Saturday at Kinning Park Complex in Glasgow.
Online — in small groups
For families who live further away or cannot attend in person, we also offer online lessons in Bulgarian language and literature, taught in small groups.
In this way we hope to give more Bulgarian children — wherever in Scotland or the United Kingdom they live — the chance to keep and develop their Bulgarian.
A school recognised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science
Azbukarche Bulgarian School – Glasgow is included in the official list of Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad under Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 90 (ПМС №90).
Lessons follow the approved curricula of the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science, and pupils receive the corresponding official certificates of completed study.
One school. One community. One language.
Azbukarche was founded by people who are raising their own children far from Bulgaria, and who understand how important it is not to let physical distance turn into the loss of a language, a culture and a sense of belonging.
We want our children to feel at home both here in the United Kingdom and whenever they return to Bulgaria.
- To talk freely with their families.
- To know their traditions.
- To understand their history.
- To have Bulgarian friends.
And when someone asks them where they are from, we want them to be able to say, with confidence and pride, that Bulgaria is part of them too.
Our team
The people behind Azbukarche
Behind Azbukarche Bulgarian School – Glasgow stands a team of people united by a love of the Bulgarian language, culture and traditions, and by a shared wish to create a place where Bulgarian children abroad can learn, grow and feel part of a genuine community.
Every member of our team brings their own professional experience, knowledge and personal dedication, but we all share one goal — to help children keep their connection with Bulgaria, develop their Bulgarian language and build a lasting sense of belonging and national identity.
Leda Todorova-Aleksieva
Director and Teacher
View profile →Gloria Andreev
Director and Teacher
View profile →Rosa Chausheva
School Leader and Teacher
View profile →Kristina Nikolova
Teacher
View profile →Tsvetelina Vasileva
Teacher and Extracurricular Activities Leader
View profile →Radost Georgieva
Extracurricular Activities Leader
View profile →
Together for the children
A good school is built by people
At Azbukarche we believe that a good school is built not only on schemes of work, but on people who know the children, believe in them and put their hearts into what they do.
Our team works together to make Azbukarche a place children are glad to come to — a place for learning, friendship, the Bulgarian language, culture and belonging.
Parent Council
Parents — partners of the school
Azbukarche Bulgarian School – Glasgow has a Parent Council, established in line with the requirements of Decree No. 90 governing Bulgarian Sunday schools abroad.
The Parent Council is an important part of the school community and keeps an active link between parents, the leadership team and the teaching staff. Its role is to support the development of the school, to encourage parents to take part in school life, and to contribute ideas, feedback and initiatives that make the environment for our children better still.
We believe that when school, teachers and parents work together, children gain not only a better education but also the feeling that they are part of a close-knit Bulgarian community.
Chair of the Parent Council
Петя Еклър
Members
- Десислава Янкова
- Недялка Стоилова
- Тодор Горанов
Documents
The school statute
The statute sets out the aims, governance, teaching and funding of Azbukarche Bulgarian School – Glasgow.
The Bulgarian community
Become part of our school family
Join the community that keeps everything Bulgarian alive in Scotland.