The United Synagogue

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

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 your Local Education Authority (LEA) 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 LEA deals with late applications according to their particular rules. Remember: the rules governing applications to state schools are different from those in the private sector. All United Synagogue 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 contact:
Corinne Van Colle
Tel: 020 8457 9712
Email: corinnevc@aje.org.uk

What is the Jewish Day Schools admissions policy?

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. Some schools may give priority to the children of United Synagogue members

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

What is the ethos of Jewish Day Schools?

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.

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

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.