NEW SCHOOL PLACES PLAN

PARTNERSHIPS FOR Jewish Schools is considering a plan to help children without a Jewish secondary school place in north-west London.

The educational agency is exploring the possibility of offering a Jewish programme at a non-Jewish school, believed to be in Barnet.

Rabbi David Meyer, the Pajes chief executive, said it was “actively exploring long-term solutions as well as various options for additional provision in the short term”. One option was “accommodating Jewish students in a mainstream school which would include a Jewish studies provision.

“We are currently investigating whether there is sufficient demand to implement this for September.” Pajes has “under 10” on its list of children without places.

Niki Goorney’s son James, who left Rosh Pinah Jewish Primary last month, has been on the waiting list of Yavneh College in Hertfordshire since May.

“It is the most stressful and upsetting situation to be in,” she said. “He has watched all his friends find out they are going to the school they want and going to be together.”

Since James is top of the Yavneh list, people she has spoken to have re assured her he is likely to get a place during the year. But he may have to attend a local comprehensive until then.

She added that a problem with the Pajes plan was that as children took up vacancies at Jewish schools during the year, the few who remained could feel isolated.