A new group has been set up to represent the interests of state-aided strictly Orthodox schools.
Rabbi Jonathan Guttentag of Manchester, who has helped set up the National Association of Orthodox Schools, a coalition of a dozen schools in London and Manchester, said: “We want to ensure the position of strictly Orthodox schools is coherently put, rather than left to chance.”
Jon Benjamin, chief executive of the Board of Deputies, welcomed the move, saying: “In advocating for Jewish schools of all types in our interaction with government, it is essential for the Board that the position of strictly Orthodox schools is effectively articulated in a cohesive and collaborative way.”
Jewish schools have become increasingly concerned in the face of growing pressure for faith schools to admit children of other religions. The new association will appoint a part-time executive director.
