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Welcoming its first batch of 23 pupils, Naina Parmar, headteacher of the Krishna Avanti Primary School, said: "We have happy pupils in the reception class who will be taught the basics of Hindu culture and values. This is a huge step forward for Britain's 1.5 million Hindus."
The first class in the Harrow-based school was taught by local teacher Sandra Clark.
The school promises to merge the best of British education with Hindu religious and cultural values, Parmar said, and added that most of the pupils were from the borough of Harrow, which has the highest Hindu concentration in the UK.
Similar schools for other faiths have been functioning in Britain, but this is the first time that a Hindu school funded by the British government has been set up.
The government had approved the school in November 2005. The school project, implemented by the Hindu charity organisation I-Foundation, will cost 10 million pounds.
Parmar said: "We aim to create an effective, calm and happy learning environment where the vision and mission statements are 'lived' by combining the wisdom of Vedic teachings and exemplary professional practice".
Beginning with its first batch of 23 pupils, it hopes to gradually increase its intake every year. By 2014, it aims to provide places for 236 pupils.
The school's official faith advisor is ISKCON UK, which provides advice on integrating aspects of Hindu faith in the government approved school curriculum.
A new, state-of-the-art school building with a meditation garden, an amphitheatre for outside teaching and numerous green innovations - such as a grass roof - is being constructed in Harrow, which will open in September 2009.
Parmar said: "The school will combine the best of education in Harrow with Hindu teachings. I want our school to be a haven of peace. Hinduism is a very inclusive faith which naturally promotes a calm, caring and cooperative learning environment.
Councillor Anjana Patel, Harrow Councils portfolio holder for schools and childrens services, said: "Harrow is truly delighted to be playing host to the UK's first Hindu school. We are one of the UK's most diverse boroughs. We recognise the value of faith education in the excellent results already being achieved in our numerous existing faith schools. We are delighted to now be able to extend that choice of a faith education to our many Hindu residents as well."
Jon Benjamin, Chief Executive, Board of Deputies of British Jews, added: "We are pleased to welcome the UK's first state Hindu school to the family of voluntary-aided faith schools.
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