JFS will open an additional class for year-7 in September to cope with rising demand for places at Jewish state-aided secondary schools in London.
The Jewish schools’ network, PaJeS, reported last week that first preference applications to Jewish state schools in the capital were up by more than 6 per cent on the previous year.
JFS headteacher David Moody said, “Following an increase in demand, JFS has decided to take an extra form in year 7 in September 2025. Having seen a doubling of first-choice applications over the last two years, we want to ensure that we can accept as many applicants as possible.”
Yavneh College in Hertfordshire is also offering a bulge class this autumn.
PaJeS chief executive Rabbi David Meyer believed that the increase in demand “likely” reflects parental concern over antisemitism their children may be exposed to in the general state sector.
Some parents are likely to face an anxious few weeks while they wait to see if a place becomes available at a Jewish school. A number of places in the first round of offers will have been made to children who will be going to independent school.
