Clore Tikva School

From Powerbase
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Clore Tikva School
Motto
Established 1999
Type Voluntary aided Jewish primary school
Religious affiliation(s) Judaism (pluralist: Reform, Liberal, Masorti)
Headteacher Margot Buller
Address 115 Fullwell Avenue
City Ilford
County Essex
Postcode IG6 2JN
Country United Kingdom
Enrolment 377
Gender Co-educational
Age range 3–11
Website https://www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk/


Clore Tikva School is a voluntary-aided Jewish primary school located in Barkingside, Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom. It declares that it is a Zionist school. It serves children aged 3-11 and is known for its inclusive, pluralist approach to Jewish education.[1] The school emphasises Jewish values while promoting understanding of diverse backgrounds. It is operated by the Clore Tikva School Foundation, a registered charity (number 1073942) and company limited by guarantee (number 03437589), which owns the premises and supports the school's activities.[2][3] The foundation's name differs slightly from the school's, reflecting its role as the governing and charitable entity.

The school has approximately 377 pupils and maintains a student-teacher ratio of around 18:1.[4] It was rated "Good" by Ofsted in its 2020 inspection[5] and "Outstanding" in Jewish studies by Pikuach in 2023.[6][7]

History

Clore Tikva School opened in 1999 as a co-educational voluntary-aided primary school, funded in part by the philanthropic Clore Foundation (from which it derives its name; "Tikva" means "hope" in Hebrew).[8] It was established to provide Jewish education in the Redbridge area, drawing from Reform, Liberal, and Masorti Jewish traditions. The school has undergone several leadership changes and inspections, evolving into a highly regarded institution for inclusive Jewish learning.[9]

During its early years, the school experienced staff turnover, including the departure of the original headteacher shortly after opening.[10] It has since stabilised, with positive inspections highlighting its commitment to pupils' needs and Jewish education.[11]

Relation to Israel and Zionism

Clore Tikva School is affiliated with the Movement for Reform Judaism, which states on its website: "Our Relationship With Israel. We are unequivocally Zionist. We are committed to Israel as a collective project of the Jewish people – to build a Jewish and Democratic state which stands as an ohr l’goyim (a light to the nations) and a safe haven for Jews facing persecution. Together, we stand with those Israeli citizens and organisations pursuing democracy, religious freedom and human rights for all within Israel’s borders."[12] The school is under the auspices of Reform, Liberal, and Masorti movements, which maintain a positive attitude toward the State of Israel.[13]

From the school's own website, in the Jewish Studies section: "Two of our pupils were lucky enough to visit the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem last summer. Farah and Mila Shalom were going to Israel for a family wedding."[14] Extracurricular activities include Israeli dancing, and the curriculum covers Jewish life, history, and traditions with references to Israel, such as visits and family connections.[15]

Other commentary generally highlights the school's pluralist and inclusive approach to Jewish education, with a strong emphasis on Zionist values through its affiliations. For instance, a 2023 Pikuach report praised its "outstanding" Jewish studies, noting the school's commitment to fostering a positive Jewish identity, including ties to Israel.[16] Broader discussions in Jewish education reports describe Clore Tikva as promoting a "positive attitude to the State of Israel" while maintaining viability as a two-form entry school.[17] No significant controversies were noted in available sources.


Laurence B. Davis, Rachel Riley and Yochy Davis in the Davis' back garden in Loughton, Epping Forest, Essex in June 2021. The occasion was a fundraising Shabbat dinner for Clore Tikva School. As the Essex Jewish News reported: 'The dinner was hosted by Yochy and Laurence Davis who have a grandchild at the school. Yochy Davis said ‘I was delighted to host the dinner. For those that follow me on social media you will have noticed my Shabbat Dinners and my Made with Love Chicken Soup run started over lockdown, which have become a popular attraction. It was therefore, a pleasure to host a dinner for a school that means so much to us personally and the community. My son was one of the first years when the school opened and to see my grandchildren now attending is wonderful. The school is so important to the community and when I hear how much my granddaughter loves the school I wanted to do all I could to ensure the school’s success in the long-term’[18]

Funding

As a voluntary-aided school, Clore Tikva School receives approximately 90% of its funding from the government, with the remaining portion covered by the Clore Tikva School Foundation through parental voluntary monthly contributions, Gift Aid reclamations, and other fundraising efforts.[19][20] The foundation maintains a dedicated fundraising arm known as FACT, run by volunteer parents, to support additional costs such as Hebrew and Jewish studies not fully covered by state funding.[21] Notable fundraising events include a 2021 Shabbat dinner hosted by Yochy Davis and Laurence Davis (grandparents of a pupil at the school), featuring guest speaker Rachel Riley, who spoke on her career, education passion, and fight against antisemitism. The event aimed to raise funds for pupil support amid pandemic-related financial pressures, with Riley noting her personal connection to the area through family ties.[22][23] External charitable support has included multiple donations from the Gerald and Gail Ronson Family Foundation, such as £10,000 in 2022 and £50,000 in 2024, as recorded in their annual accounts.[24][25] Other community and school-led initiatives, such as pupil obstacle course events raising £4,500 for equipment, contribute to specific needs, though comprehensive details on all donations are not publicly itemised beyond these examples.[26]

Timeline

  • 1997: Clore Tikva School Foundation incorporated as CAFS Limited on 22 September.[27]
  • 1999: Company name changed to Bet Sefer Limited on 12 January. School opens in September with around 450 pupils.[28]
  • 2002: Pikuach inspection highlights challenges with staff turnover but notes progress in Jewish studies.[29]
  • 2010: Pikuach inspection observes strong Jewish education coverage.
  • 2012: Pikuach report notes pupils building knowledge of Jewish life, history, and beliefs by Year 6.
  • 2017: Pikuach inspection praises integration of Jewish studies.[30]
  • 2019: Company name changed to Clore Tikva School Foundation on 12 November. Margot Buller appointed interim headteacher in September, becoming permanent in November 2020.[31]
  • 2020: Ofsted rates the school "Good" in all areas.[32]
  • 2023: Rated "Outstanding" in Jewish studies by Pikuach, emphasising inclusive education and community thriving.[33][34]

Governance

The school is governed by the Clore Tikva School Foundation, which handles ownership of premises and charitable activities supporting the school.[35]

Company Information

Detail Information
Current Name Clore Tikva School Foundation
Company Number 03437589
Incorporation Date 22 September 1997
Company Type Private Limited Company by guarantee without share capital (use of 'Limited' exemption)
Status Active
Registered Address Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Nature of Business 85200 - Primary education
Previous Names - Bet Sefer Limited (12 January 1999 – 12 November 2019)
- Cafs Limited (22 September 1997 – 12 January 1999)

Trustees (from Charity Commission)

The following table lists current trustees as of the latest records.[36]

Name Role Date Appointed Date Resigned Other Details
George Dorling Chair 01 September 2025 N/A None on record
Claire Hartley Trustee 22 July 2024 N/A Other trusteeships: South West Essex & Settlement Reform Synagogue (Received: On time)
Paul Bourne Trustee 01 February 2019 N/A None on record
James Bloom Trustee 01 February 2019 N/A None on record
Andrew Kevin Lewis Trustee 24 March 2015 N/A None on record
Rabbi David Hulbert Trustee 24 January 2012 N/A None on record
John Morrison Trustee Not specified N/A None on record

Officers (from Companies House)

Active Officers

Name Role Date of Birth Appointed On Resigned On Nationality Country of Residence Correspondence Address
James Lewis Bloom Director January 1984 1 February 2019 N/A British United Kingdom Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Paul Daniel Bourne Director August 1977 1 February 2019 N/A British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
George Robert Dorling Director February 1947 1 September 2025 N/A British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, England, IG6 2JN
Claire Alison Hartley Director July 1983 22 July 2024 N/A British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, IG6 2JN
Rabbi David Ian Hulbert Director October 1953 31 January 2011 N/A British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Andrew Kevin Lewis Director December 1965 24 March 2015 N/A British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
John Colin Morrison Director November 1945 22 September 1997 N/A British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN

Resigned Officers

Name Role Date of Birth Appointed On Resigned On Nationality Country of Residence Correspondence Address
Leslie Harry Carr Secretary - 14 August 2000 10 September 2003 British - 4 James Close, Romford, Essex, RM2 5UD
Joanne Yvette Hannah Feld Secretary - 10 September 2003 17 December 2007 British - 53 Fontayne Avenue, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 5HD
Barbara Noble Secretary - 22 September 1997 30 October 1999 British - 30 Caterham Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG5 0PZ
Henry Raphael Smith Secretary - 17 December 2007 17 April 2012 British - 6 Exeter Gardens, Ilford, Essex, IG1 3LA
Ronald David Bayfield Director May 1924 22 September 1997 10 November 2008 British - 45 Vista Drive, Redbridge, Ilford, Essex, IG4 5JF
Jonathan Alexander Bloom Director March 1986 1 February 2019 27 September 2019 British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Michael Alfred Burman Director September 1944 22 September 1997 25 February 1999 British United Kingdom 30 Singleton Scarp, London, N12 7AR
Cecil Dalton Director April 1937 22 September 1997 9 November 2004 British - 25 Hazelwood, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4ET
David Diamond Director April 1949 22 September 1997 6 October 2008 British - 10 Boleyn Way, Hainhault, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2TW
Rabbi Michael Foulds Director October 1943 31 January 2011 23 December 2013 British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Michael Hartley Foulds Director October 1943 22 September 1997 2 March 1999 British - 40 Mornington Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0TL
Valerie Hazel Garnelas Director February 1951 24 March 2015 17 January 2024 British United Kingdom Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Michelle Golding Director October 1964 22 September 1997 25 February 1999 British - 15 Bute Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex, IG6 1AF
Susan Hesse Director October 1949 22 September 1997 4 May 2017 British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, IG6 2JN
Rabbi David Ian Hulbert Director October 1953 22 September 1997 5 July 1999 British England 5 Mayfield Avenue, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 9JR
Mark Simon Kieve Director April 1963 24 September 2006 24 July 2017 British United Kingdom 141 Wardour Street, London, United Kingdom, W1F 0UT
Nigel Lawrence Director March 1965 18 September 2008 1 September 2012 British England 107 Worcester Crescent, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 0LT
Linda Josephine Lester Director March 1948 14 August 2000 21 March 2005 British - 91 Collinwood Gardens, Ilford, Essex, IG5 0AN
Linda Josephine Lester Director March 1948 22 September 1997 25 February 1999 British - 91 Collinwood Gardens, Ilford, Essex, IG5 0AN
Martin Levin Director May 1945 19 April 1999 18 May 2000 British United Kingdom 309 Chigwell Road, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 8PL
Jason Elliot Levy Director March 1971 27 September 2019 24 July 2025 British United Kingdom Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Michael Mather Director November 1934 22 September 1997 11 December 1998 British - 74 Stradbroke Grove, Clayhill, Ilford, Essex, IG5 0DW
Rabbi Maurice Arnold Michaels Director August 1941 22 September 1997 8 February 2017 United Kingdom United Kingdom Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, IG6 2JN
Barbara Noble Director February 1936 22 September 1997 25 February 1999 British - 30 Caterham Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG5 0PZ
Cheryl Petar Director July 1951 24 March 2015 17 January 2024 British England Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, IG6 2JN
Christopher John Robson Director October 1968 24 June 2021 17 January 2024 British United Kingdom Clore Tikva School, 115 Fullwell Avenue, Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom, IG6 2JN
Marian Rose Sames Director July 1935 22 September 1997 17 November 2008 British - 12 Elm Walk, Gidea Park, Romford, RM2 5NR
Sidney Sanders Director June 1922 8 January 2001 24 March 2015 British England 454 Clayhall Avenue, Barkingside Ilford, Essex, IG5 0SH

Staff

Known staff members are drawn from the school's official website and reports. This list focuses on key roles and is not exhaustive.[37][38]

Name Role
Margot Buller Headteacher
L. Wertheim Deputy Head/Inclusion Manager/SENCO
N. Saville Assistant Headteacher
S. Bendon Assistant Headteacher
E. Zealander Teacher
A. Lane Teacher

Additional staff include classroom teachers, support staff, and administrative personnel.

Headteachers

  • Original headteacher (1999 – early 2000s): Name not publicly specified; departed shortly after opening, as noted in early inspection reports.[39]
  • Richard Burack (circa 2010): Served as headteacher during the 2010 Pikuach inspection.
  • Lenna Rosenberg (dates unclear): Mentioned in historical reports as headteacher.
  • Margot Buller (September 2019 – present): Appointed interim in 2019, confirmed permanent in November 2020. Experienced leader who turned around the school amid challenges.[40][41]

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk/welcome
  2. ↑ https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1073942
  3. ↑ https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03437589
  4. ↑ https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/131682
  5. ↑ https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/131682
  6. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/inspection-reports
  7. ↑ https://essexjewishnews.co.uk/clore-tikva-school-celebrates-outstanding-pikuach-report-demonstrating-excellence-in-jewish-education
  8. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CloreTikvaPrimarySchool2002.pdf
  9. ↑ https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/clore-tikva-graded-outstanding-for-jewish-studies-ifrarv2x
  10. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CloreTikvaPrimarySchool2002.pdf
  11. ↑ https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50150725
  12. ↑ https://www.reformjudaism.org.uk/about-us
  13. ↑ https://archive.jpr.org.uk/download?id=1283
  14. ↑ https://www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk/jewish-studies
  15. ↑ https://pajes.org.uk/find-a-jewish-school/clore-tikva-2
  16. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Clore_Tikva_Jewish_Primary_School_2023.pdf
  17. ↑ https://archive.jpr.org.uk/download?id=1283
  18. ↑ Shabbat with Rachel Riley June 28, 2021.
  19. ↑ https://www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk/clore-tikva-school-foundation
  20. ↑ https://www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk/the-clore-tikva-foundation
  21. ↑ https://www.cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk/the-clore-tikva-foundation
  22. ↑ https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/school-hosts-rachel-riley-for-shabbat-fundraising-dinner
  23. ↑ https://essexjewishnews.co.uk/shabbat-with-rachel-riley
  24. ↑ https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/ › ... PDF
  25. ↑ https://powerbase.info/index.php/Gerald_and_Gail_Ronson_Family_Foundation
  26. ↑ https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/clore-tikva-students-raise-4500-for-equipment-during-obstacle-course-fun-day
  27. ↑ https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03437589
  28. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CloreTikvaPrimarySchool2002.pdf
  29. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CloreTikvaPrimarySchool2002.pdf
  30. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CloreTikva2017.pdf
  31. ↑ https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/risk-taker-who-turned-a-school-around-rlrgxkad
  32. ↑ https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/21/131682
  33. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Clore_Tikva_Jewish_Primary_School_2023.pdf
  34. ↑ https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/clore-tikva-school-celebrates-outstanding-pikuach-report
  35. ↑ https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1073942
  36. ↑ https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/1073942/trustees
  37. ↑ https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/131682
  38. ↑ https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/risk-taker-who-turned-a-school-around-rlrgxkad
  39. ↑ https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CloreTikvaPrimarySchool2002.pdf
  40. ↑ https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/risk-taker-who-turned-a-school-around-rlrgxkad
  41. ↑ https://www.thejc.com/family-and-education/clore-tikva-back-to-being-a-good-school-p350gnup
Retrieved from "https://powerbase.info/index.php?title=Clore_Tikva_School&oldid=269427"