‘No plans’ to relocate school
THE LEADERS of Kantor King Solomon High School in Essex say they have “no plans” to relocate it.
Governors of the state-aided United Synagogue school — the only Jewish secondary in the area — last week announced a “wide-ranging” review into the future of Jewish education in north-east London.
In a statement this week, the governors said: “We can certainly confirm that we have no plans to move the school. Indeed, no plans at all will be agreed until we have carried out our review and are confident that we are able to plan the best future for Jewish education for the Essex community.”
The governors added that the school, whichhasaround975pupils,Jewishand non-Jewish, was working closely with its foundation body, the US and other partners, and invited all interested parties to contribute to the review “as we consider all possible options for the school”.
The US confirmed this week the idea of relocating the school — originally proposed as one way to solve the shortageof JewishschoolplacesinnorthLondon — has not been ruled out. Stephen Pack, president of the US, said: “We’re looking at all options to see which is best and this is one option. But no decision has been made.”
David Collins, director of young people and young families at the US, added that the review would be “invaluable in planning a bright future for the school and all of its stakeholders. Any speculation about a plan to relocate Kantor King Solomon is premature; this is just one of numerous options that may need to be considered following the upcoming review”.
In recent years, the annual intake of Jewishpupilshasfallentoaroundathird at the school, which was opened in 1993.
Matthew Slater, head teacher of KKS, moved to reassure parents in a letter last Friday.
Hetoldthem: “Ouraimistostrengthen our position in and for the community we serve and with a record number of families attending our recent open evening, we know the demand for places will be very high this year”.
KKS, he said, remained excited at the prospect of “continuing to develop and provide an outstanding education for the Redbridge/Essex Jewish communities”.