United Synagogue
Jewish Day Schools

Questions & Answers
Details of schools


A growing number of parents choose Jewish day schools for their children. They find that:

  • the schools provide a warm and caring Jewish environment

  • children receive a firm grounding in Jewish knowledge and practice, together with a love of Israel

  • the schools have nationally recognised high standards in secular education and all maintained schools teach the entire National Curriculum

  • children have a full Jewish social life within a secure atmosphere

  • the schools have wonderful modern facilities, providing outstanding surroundings and the best possible opportunities for learning

During the last few years, the number and choice of Jewish Day Schools has increased by 300% across almost all areas of London as a result of greater demand for Jewish Day School places. Parents have responded to the ethos behind the expansion - that the schools are not simply for Jewish children, but are Jewish schools. They also know that the schools are intended to serve their local Jewish communities and reflect the nature of these communities. Competition for a place at a Jewish Day School is always strong.

Introduction
Details of schools



Questions & Answers

Q Why should I send my children to a Jewish Day School?

A All Jewish Day Schools are dedicated to teaching the National Curriculum. They aim to attain the highest possible standards for your children in their formative years - so as to provide a solid base for their future in a multi-cultural society.

The provision of Jewish Studies gives the pupils a knowledge and love for Jewish practice and a positive feeling towards Israel, together with a respect for the moral code on which Judaism is built.

Jewish Studies are taught by specialist teachers. Our Schools are housed in safe and secure surroundings - always with the active involvement and support of parents.


Q What is the ethos of Jewish Day Schools?
A The religious ethos of the schools is modern/central orthodox, combined with a strong and positive attitude towards Israel. Parents are encouraged to share and support the schools' objectives. Family education is an integral part of the curriculum. The schools are not simply for Jewish children - they are Jewish schools.


Q What is the Jewish Day Schools admissions policy?
A The only pre-condition of entry into United Synagogue schools is that the children must be recognised as being Jewish by the Office of the Chief Rabbi, under whose religious authority the schools operate.

Parents may be members of any synagogue or, indeed, no synagogue at all, although naturally it is preferred if parents identify by having membership of the United Synagogue.

Primarily, the schools are intended to serve their local Jewish communities and therefore reflect the nature of those communities.




As the Chief Rabbi Professor Jonathan Sacks said:

"The critical test of the health of a community is - does it look forwards or backwards? Is it preoccupied with the memories of its distinguished past? Or does it look forward to yet a more creative future? For decades we have supported every Jewish cause except one - the Jewish future of our own children."

Sending your children to a Jewish Day School helps ensure the future of Judaism. 		Chief Rabbi Professor Jonathan Sacks


at Moriah Jewish Day School

"From every point of view, day school education offers us the best chance to educate our youth and build a confident, knowledgeable and committed generation of Jews."
Professor Saul Wachs, Gratz College



Q How do I apply to a Jewish Day School? - A guide for prospective parents

A

If you are a first time parent, choosing and applying for a place for your child at a Jewish day school is not always as simple as it first appears. The admissions policy for each school states the criteria by which it administers applications and offers the places. At schools where there is a nursery attached, often priority for admission into the reception class is given to the children who are already at their nursery school.

Procedure
Applications for admission into a nursery or reception class at a voluntary aided school should be lodged with the schools NO LATER THAN the November prior to the school year they wish to start. We recommend, however, that you check with each individual school for its cut off date. Applications received after that date are, in most cases, too late to be considered but each school deals with late applications according to their particular admissions policy. Remember: the rules governing applications to state schools are different from those in the private sector. All United Schools are voluntary aided, state schools.

What the schools will ask you to provide when you apply
All schools which state that, in order to apply to their school, children must be Jewish according to Jewish Law, will have to verify each child's Jewish status. In order to do that, the schools will ask for a copy of both the parents' Ketubah and the child's full birth certificate. This system is widely used in most schools which recognise the authority of the Chief Rabbi, including, of course, all United Synagogue schools.

General advice
We strongly recommend that parents visit schools before they apply. The location of schools in relation to where you live is important both from the journey and social point of view. It is very difficult to send a child to a school when many hours are spent in the car either taking the child to school or, indeed, socialising with other children after school or over the weekend. This is particularly important in nursery and primary schools.


If you would like more specific information on Jewish Day Schools, please phone Corrine Van Colle at the Agency for Jewish Education on 020 8457 9712 or e-mail her and she will be only too pleased to help you.




Introduction
Questions & Answers


List of US Primary schools

  Hertsmere Jewish Primary School

  Ilford Jewish Primary School

  Michael Sobell Sinai School

  Moriah Jewish Day School

  Wolfson Hillel Primary School


Schools - Locations & Comparisons

  Which School is nearest to you? click for map

  School & Nursery Comparison Table