Dhamma School
Sunday Dhamma School
The Sunday Dhamma School has been part of the Vihara's educational work for more than fifty years. In that time, generations of children have learned the Dhamma, grown up in its values, and gone on to lead responsible adult lives grounded in mindfulness and compassion. Many pupils have completed the YMBA Dhamma examinations held in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
To support Sri Lankan Buddhist families living in the UK, the school also offers Sinhala language classes, helping children keep a connection to their cultural and linguistic heritage. Over 150 children are currently enrolled, taught by a dedicated team of teachers and volunteers. Children may enrol from the age of five.
[Name: Bhante has supplied this material as "London Buddhist Vihara Sunday Dhamma School". The prototype previously used "The Rahula Dhamma School" and the founding year 1969, from an earlier note by Sam. To be reconciled.]
Sinhala language
Cultural celebrations
Our mission
A holistic personality, grounded in the Dhamma
To nurture a holistic personality grounded in the Buddha's teachings, supporting children to develop compassion, self-knowledge, wisdom and a sense of communal responsibility within a multicultural society.
At a glance
- Running for more than fifty years.
- From age five; over 150 children enrolled.
- Dhamma classes and Sinhala language classes.
- Pupils sit the YMBA (Colombo) Dhamma examinations; G.C.E. O-level Sinhala can be taken in Britain.
- Led by the Head of the Vihara and the Principal, with a team of teachers and volunteers.
Ethos and curriculum policy
How the school teaches
The Dhamma School brings Buddhist principles into every part of learning. Children are guided to understand themselves, other people, and the difficulties of life through the teaching of the Buddha.
What the school sets out to do
- Teach Buddhism and its practical application, fostering mindfulness, wisdom and compassion.
- Give a clear understanding of the conventional teachings of the Buddha.
- Create an environment of loving-kindness that encourages a positive attitude to learning and to life.
- Build self-esteem and social skills, so children can form respectful relationships with peers and adults.
- Instil ethical values and a sense of responsibility, preparing children for life in society.
- Encourage actions that benefit oneself, the community and the wider world.
- Provide foundational skills in spoken, written and read Sinhala.
How the Buddhist ethos is practised
- Teaching core principles, including the Five Precepts, to encourage wholesome living.
- Practising mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation to help children understand their thoughts and feelings.
- Exploring cause and effect, interdependence and impermanence through discussion and reflection.
- Introducing key teachings such as the Four Noble Truths and verses from the Dhammapada.
- Encouraging Buddhist practice: observing sīla, dāna, charity, and listening to Dhamma talks.
- Developing positive qualities through stories, biographies, Buddhist narrative, role play and drama.
Every Sunday
The school day
- 1.45 pm Dhamma classes begin
- 2.00 pm Register marking
- 3.00 pm Pūjā
- 3.20 pm Refreshments
- 3.45 pm Dhamma and Sinhala class
- 4.30 pm School song and national anthem, then end of the school day
[Schedule supplied by the Dhamma School, September 2026. To be confirmed as current, with term dates.]
Management
How the school is run
Head of the Vihara, then the Vihara Management Committee, the Principal and Deputy Principal, class teachers, assistant teachers, and class leaders.
Registration
Enrolling your child
Children can join from the age of five. All families are welcome, including those new to the Dhamma.
There is no charge for classes. The Dhamma School is run by the Vihara as a charity and supported by voluntary donations.
How to apply
- Fill in the online application form.
- It is sent to the Dhamma School by email.
- The school contacts you about a place.
Have a question first? Email lbvihara@gmail.com.
Term dates to be confirmed.
Sinhala language classes
Weekly classes run alongside the Dhamma lessons: spoken, written and reading skills from the early years, so children of Sri Lankan families keep their heritage language. Pupils may sit G.C.E. O-level Sinhala in Britain.
Families and youth
The school is a meeting point for Buddhist families in London, with activities that help children and young people keep a connection to the Dhamma and to their heritage as they grow up.
Children's resources
Stories, activities and reference material for families to use between classes, drawn from the Vihara's own publications and the wider tradition.
[Resource list to be added.]Publications
Dhamma School publications
Teaching materials, worksheets and readers produced by the Dhamma School will be collected here for families and for other Dhamma schools to use. Planned: class readers and workbooks, YMBA examination preparation notes, and Sinhala language worksheets.
[Section requested by the Dhamma School. Resources to be supplied by Bhante.]
Get in touch
Ask about a place
Registration enquiries and questions from families are welcome. Weekday visits by schools and other groups are arranged through Visit, School and group visits.