Difference between revisions of "JFS"
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| − | + | {{Infobox school | |
| − | + | | name = JFS | |
| − | + | | image = JFS Kenton campus exterior.jpg | |
| + | | image_size = 250 | ||
| + | | established = {{Start date|1732}} | ||
| + | | type = Voluntary aided comprehensive | ||
| + | | religious_affiliation = Jewish | ||
| + | | head = Dr [[David Moody]] | ||
| + | | address = The Mall | ||
| + | | city = Kenton | ||
| + | | county = London | ||
| + | | postcode = HA3 9TE | ||
| + | | country = England | ||
| + | | enrolment = 2,091<ref name="GIAS133724" /> | ||
| + | | gender = Co-educational | ||
| + | | lower_age = 11 | ||
| + | | upper_age = 18 | ||
| + | | website = https://www.jfs.brent.sch.uk/ | ||
| + | | footnotes = URN 133724. Current Kenton campus opened 1 September 2002. Photograph from the school website.<ref name="JFSCampusExt">[[JFS]], [https://www.jfs.brent.sch.uk/about About], ''jfs.brent.sch.uk'', image https://assets.jfsschool.uk/media/JFS-281.jpg, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| + | }} | ||
'''JFS''' (formerly known as the '''[[Jews' Free School]]'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishmuseum.org.uk/jb-Jews-Free-School-journal |title=Jews' Free School journal – The Jewish Museum |newspaper=Jewishmuseum.org |access-date= 16 December 2015}}</ref> and later '''[[Jewish Free School]]'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/6f123048-1217-49ad-bc5c-90ec82d54df7 |title=Jewish Free School, Camden Road, Camden LB |newspaper=Discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk |date=January 1973 |access-date= 16 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="h603">{{cite book | last1=Cherry | first1=B. | last2=Pevsner | first2=N. | title=London: North | publisher=Yale University Press | series=Pevsner: Buildings of England | year=2002 | isbn=978-0-300-09653-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rVHqBvtuLyMC&pg=PA358 | access-date=1 October 2024 | page=358}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last1=Buck | first1=N. | last2=Gordon | first2=I. | last3=Hall | first3=P. | last4=Harloe | first4=M. | last5=Kleinman | first5=M. | title=Working Capital: Life and Labour in Contemporary London | publisher=Taylor & Francis | year=2013 | isbn=978-1-136-47778-2 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1eTcAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA187 | access-date=1 October 2024 | page=187}}</ref>) is a Jewish mixed comprehensive school in Kenton, North London, England and was founded in 1732. Amongst its early supporters was the writer and philanthropist [[Charlotte Montefiore]] (1818–1854).<ref>Ref needed</ref> At one time it was the largest Jewish school in the world, with more than 4,000 pupils.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0VnB2Jq3fW4C&pg=PA714|title=International Handbook of Jewish Education|last1=Miller|first1=Helena|last2=Grant|first2=Lisa D.|last3=Pomson|first3=Alex|date=2011-04-02|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=9789400703544|language=en}}</ref> | '''JFS''' (formerly known as the '''[[Jews' Free School]]'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jewishmuseum.org.uk/jb-Jews-Free-School-journal |title=Jews' Free School journal – The Jewish Museum |newspaper=Jewishmuseum.org |access-date= 16 December 2015}}</ref> and later '''[[Jewish Free School]]'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/rd/6f123048-1217-49ad-bc5c-90ec82d54df7 |title=Jewish Free School, Camden Road, Camden LB |newspaper=Discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk |date=January 1973 |access-date= 16 December 2015}}</ref><ref name="h603">{{cite book | last1=Cherry | first1=B. | last2=Pevsner | first2=N. | title=London: North | publisher=Yale University Press | series=Pevsner: Buildings of England | year=2002 | isbn=978-0-300-09653-8 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rVHqBvtuLyMC&pg=PA358 | access-date=1 October 2024 | page=358}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last1=Buck | first1=N. | last2=Gordon | first2=I. | last3=Hall | first3=P. | last4=Harloe | first4=M. | last5=Kleinman | first5=M. | title=Working Capital: Life and Labour in Contemporary London | publisher=Taylor & Francis | year=2013 | isbn=978-1-136-47778-2 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1eTcAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA187 | access-date=1 October 2024 | page=187}}</ref>) is a Jewish mixed comprehensive school in Kenton, North London, England and was founded in 1732. Amongst its early supporters was the writer and philanthropist [[Charlotte Montefiore]] (1818–1854).<ref>Ref needed</ref> At one time it was the largest Jewish school in the world, with more than 4,000 pupils.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0VnB2Jq3fW4C&pg=PA714|title=International Handbook of Jewish Education|last1=Miller|first1=Helena|last2=Grant|first2=Lisa D.|last3=Pomson|first3=Alex|date=2011-04-02|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=9789400703544|language=en}}</ref> | ||
The school is run by the [[JFS Charitable Trust Limited]] (Company number 03942126)/[[JFS Development Charitable Trust]] (Charity number: 1114730). | The school is run by the [[JFS Charitable Trust Limited]] (Company number 03942126)/[[JFS Development Charitable Trust]] (Charity number: 1114730). | ||
| + | |||
| + | == History == | ||
| + | ''The New Times'' reported that on 17 May 1821 the first stone of the Jews' Free School in Bell Lane, Spitalfields, built for 600 boys and 300 girls, was laid, and that the Chief Rabbi, the Rev. Dr Hirschel, delivered a prayer. The paper described the school as "established about four years since by the Hebrew nation, for the instruction of the Jewish poor" (about 1817).<ref name="BNATimes18210521">''New Times (London)'', 21 May 1821, p. 3, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0002357%2F18210521&page=3&article=022 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | In February 1907 ''Daily Telegraph'' reported that L. B. Abrahams, the retiring headmaster, was presented with a salver, inkstand and stamp-box by the cadet corps and school boys. Abrahams had founded the school's cadet corps, then in existence for seven years and described in the report as "the best uniformed cadet corps"; he was to leave at the end of the following month. The paper described the school as the "largest elementary educational establishment in the country".<ref name="BNADT19070221">''Daily Telegraph'', 21 February 1907, p. 4, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0001112%2F19070221&page=4&article=044 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | On 1 July 1914 the same paper reported a prize distribution at which Lord Rothschild presided and Lady Rothschild gave the prizes. Those present included the Chief Rabbi, O. E. D'Avigdor Goldsmid, Hyman Isaacs, E. L. Walford, Ernst Schiff and Col. F. A. Lucas. Among the awards, Morris Rosenberg received a Jews' Commemoration Scholarship, Benjamin Fisher the Anthony de Rothschild Gold Medal, and Marks Greenberg the Montagu Halford Scholarship. The report praised the school's recreation classes and recorded a display of physical drill by boys and girls.<ref name="BNADT19140701">''Daily Telegraph'', 1 July 1914, p. 14, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0001112%2F19140701&page=14&article=270 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | In March 1926 ''East End News and London Shipping Chronicle'' reported the retirement of H. Michaels, vice-master of the Jews' Free School, Aldgate, after 51 years' service. He was presented with a silver cake basket by L. Bowman, the headmaster, and with tea-knives from pupils; an old boys' presentation was organised by Alderman Harry Gosling, a former mayor of Stepney.<ref name="EEN19260319">''East End News and London Shipping Chronicle'', 19 March 1926, p. 5, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0004614%2F19260319&page=5&article=041 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> ''Hampstead News'' published an obituary on 30 November 1950 of a Mr Bowman, who had died at Westminster Hospital on 21 November 1950 after a week's illness. It described him as "formerly headmaster of the Jews' Free School in the East End", and as chairman of the Education Committee of the Jewish Religious Education Board, vice-chairman of the Central Schools Employment Committee, a member of the Central Committee for Jewish Education, and president of the South Hendon Liberal Association. The first name is not given in the report; he is probably the L. Bowman named as headmaster in 1926.<ref name="HN19501130">''Hampstead News'', 30 November 1950, p. 3, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0004649%2F19501130&page=3&article=048 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | In December 1940 ''Jewish Echo'' reported that David Lazarus, "a Jews' Free School boy and a member of the Home Guard, aged 17", had been recommended for a bravery award after rescuing four people from a bombed East End block of flats. He was buried under a wall, suffered skull fractures, and was recovering.<ref name="JE19401206">''Jewish Echo'', 6 December 1940, p. 1, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0006134%2F19401206&page=1&article=003 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | In November 1941 ''East London Observer'', in an article on bomb damage in the East End headed "Scars of East London", wrote that a large portion of the Jews' Free School had "now gone". It said the school, "erected by Jewry itself and kept up by voluntary subscriptions", had subsequently been "taken over by the School Board for London" and was "now a non-provided Central School aided by the L.C.C." The School Board claim is that of the paper.<ref name="ELO19411101">''East London Observer'', 1 November 1941, p. 1, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0003191%2F19411101&page=1&article=002 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | Search-result summaries in the British Newspaper Archive place evacuees from the Jews' Free School at Isleham (land at Malting Lane hired for scholars of the school) in October 1939,<ref name="NJ19391021">''Newmarket Journal'', 21 October 1939, p. 5, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).</ref> and at Fordham, where E. Crookes of the school won a draughts tournament, with a prize from J. Benjamin.<ref name="NJ19391230">''Newmarket Journal'', 30 December 1939, p. 6, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).</ref> The JFS Choir appeared at a concert organised by the Soham Evacuation Social Committee in April 1941.<ref name="NJ19410405">''Newmarket Journal'', 5 April 1941, p. 11, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).</ref> A November 1939 report named A. A. Harris, "a master from the Jewish Free School now residing in Soham", operating a lantern at a Young Helpers' League meeting.<ref name="NJ19391125">''Newmarket Journal'', 25 November 1939, p. 6, [https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.com/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0003223%2F19391125&page=6&article=121 British Newspaper Archive], accessed 11 November 2026.</ref> Evacuees of the school at Mousehole, Cornwall, held a Christmas party in 1941.<ref name="WB19411225">''West Briton'', 25 December 1941, p. 5, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).</ref> | ||
==Orientation to Zionism== | ==Orientation to Zionism== | ||
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-28 at 09.40.41.png|thumb|right| | + | [[File:JFS students dancing with Israeli flags.jpg|thumb|center|600px|JFS students dancing with Israeli flags. From the school website, accessed 5 November 2026.]] |
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 14.55.06.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-28 at 09.40.41.png|thumb|right|260px|[[Chaim Weizman]], [[Israel Zangwill]], [[Selig Brodetsky]], [[Moses Angel]]. The four houses in [[JFS]]. From the [[JFS]] '[https://powerbase.info/images/4/45/JFS-Welcome-Booklet-2021.pdf Welcome Booklet]', March 2021.]] |
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 14.55.58.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 14.55.06.png|thumb|right|260px|'Students in Years 12 and 13 had the rare privilege of an audience with [[Aviv Kochavi]], the former General Chief of Staff of the [[Israel Defence Forces]] in conversation with Dr. [[Gad Yishayahu]], a visiting scholar at the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the [[University of Cambridge]]. As we find ourselves in a time of confused information and facts about the conflict in Israel, and the atrocities carried out by Hamas against Israelis, Aviv Kochavi explained how the IDF operates and makes decisions.' [[JFS]] website 9 November 2023.]] |
| + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 14.55.58.png|thumb|right|260px|'[[IDF]] Soldiers Say Thank You!' - [[JFS]] website 11 October 2023.]] | ||
---- | ---- | ||
[[File:Jewish Chronicle 15 May 2015 p20 JFS Yom Haatzmaut.png|thumb|right|280px|''The Jewish Chronicle'', 15 May 2015, p.20: pupils cite Yom Haatzmaut among reasons they love JFS.<ref name="JCJFS20150515"/>]] | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 15 May 2015 p20 JFS Yom Haatzmaut.png|thumb|right|280px|''The Jewish Chronicle'', 15 May 2015, p.20: pupils cite Yom Haatzmaut among reasons they love JFS.<ref name="JCJFS20150515"/>]] | ||
On 15 May 2015 a ''Jewish Chronicle'' comment piece described JFS pupils answering critical coverage with the Twitter hashtag #iloveJFSbecause; one cited activities that "really enrich school life throughout the year, such as with the mock election, Yom Haatzmaut and Purim."<ref name="JCJFS20150515">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 15 May 2015, p.20, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZjRlMWQ2NTYtYzQ3OC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | On 15 May 2015 a ''Jewish Chronicle'' comment piece described JFS pupils answering critical coverage with the Twitter hashtag #iloveJFSbecause; one cited activities that "really enrich school life throughout the year, such as with the mock election, Yom Haatzmaut and Purim."<ref name="JCJFS20150515">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 15 May 2015, p.20, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZjRlMWQ2NTYtYzQ3OC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| − | JFS is a secondary school which names its houses after [[Chaim Weizmann]], [[Israel Zangwill]], [[Selig Brodetsky]] and Moses Angel. [[David Miller]] has described Weizmann, Zangwill and Brodetsky as "racist settler colonial ideologues".<ref name="IHRC2024">[[David Miller]], [https://www.ihrc.org.uk/how-do-we-de-zionise-british-schools/ How do we De-Zionise British schools?], ''[[Islamic Human Rights Commission]]'', 3 December 2024, accessed 1 November 2026.</ref> The school says it is 'proud of its long standing and deep connections to the State of Israel. For over 40 years the school has offered a bespoke residential programme in Israel to provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in life in Israel, improve their Hebrew and enhance their knowledge of Jewish studies, culture and history beyond what is taught at school. ... The JFS programme [in Israel] promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'<ref>https://x.com/Tracking_Power/status/1772887855427207314</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20211114135049/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20241007173149/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/lev-2/</ref> | + | JFS is a secondary school which names its houses after [[Chaim Weizmann]], [[Israel Zangwill]], [[Selig Brodetsky]] and Moses Angel. [[David Miller (Powerbase)|David Miller]] has described Weizmann, Zangwill and Brodetsky as "racist settler colonial ideologues".<ref name="IHRC2024">[[David Miller (Powerbase)|David Miller]], [https://www.ihrc.org.uk/how-do-we-de-zionise-british-schools/ How do we De-Zionise British schools?], ''[[Islamic Human Rights Commission]]'', 3 December 2024, accessed 1 November 2026.</ref> The school says it is 'proud of its long standing and deep connections to the State of Israel. For over 40 years the school has offered a bespoke residential programme in Israel to provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in life in Israel, improve their Hebrew and enhance their knowledge of Jewish studies, culture and history beyond what is taught at school. ... The JFS programme [in Israel] promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'<ref>https://x.com/Tracking_Power/status/1772887855427207314</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20211114135049/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20241007173149/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/lev-2/</ref> |
*'Students participating in Israel Club at school enjoyed a visit from speakers of [[Stand With Us]]. The session was focused on enabling students to distinguish differences between anti-Semitism and valid criticism of the state of Israel.'<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230215233448/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/jfs-israel-club/</ref> | *'Students participating in Israel Club at school enjoyed a visit from speakers of [[Stand With Us]]. The session was focused on enabling students to distinguish differences between anti-Semitism and valid criticism of the state of Israel.'<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20230215233448/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/jfs-israel-club/</ref> | ||
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*'This week our Head Boy and Head Girl team hosted the Senior Prefect teams from [[Immanuel College]], [[JCOSS]] and [[Yavneh College]] for an Israel themed inter-school event. They discussed the various student-led initiatives taking place at each school, as well as [[Yom Hazikaron]], [[Yom Ha’Atzmaut]] and October 7th; lighting candles and telling stories in remembrance. They then created hostage badges to be distributed to students in each school. This was a meaningful opportunity for the schools to reflect the unity within our community. A huge thank you to [[GIFT]], for making these activities possible.'<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240521005115/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/israel-inter-school-event/ Israel Inter-School Event], 16/05/2024.</ref> | *'This week our Head Boy and Head Girl team hosted the Senior Prefect teams from [[Immanuel College]], [[JCOSS]] and [[Yavneh College]] for an Israel themed inter-school event. They discussed the various student-led initiatives taking place at each school, as well as [[Yom Hazikaron]], [[Yom Ha’Atzmaut]] and October 7th; lighting candles and telling stories in remembrance. They then created hostage badges to be distributed to students in each school. This was a meaningful opportunity for the schools to reflect the unity within our community. A huge thank you to [[GIFT]], for making these activities possible.'<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20240521005115/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/israel-inter-school-event/ Israel Inter-School Event], 16/05/2024.</ref> | ||
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 14.59.50.png|thumb|right| | + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 14.59.50.png|thumb|right|280px|[[AJEX]] Parade 2022, [[JFS]] participants.]] |
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 15.01.12.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-15 at 15.01.12.png|thumb|right|280px|[[StandWithUs UK]] "Israel Advocacy" session for Key Stage 3 classes at [[JFS]] "about the current war in Israel", 1 February 2024.<ref name="JFSSWU2024">[https://web.archive.org/web/20240225091714/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/stand-with-us-israel-advocacy/ Stand With Us Israel Advocacy], ''jfs.brent.sch.uk'', 1 February 2024, archived by the Wayback Machine on 25 February 2024, accessed 1 November 2026.</ref>]] |
*The school has been involved with the [[UJIA]] programme of Israel education: | *The school has been involved with the [[UJIA]] programme of Israel education: | ||
::Our grants to Jewish schools also ensured over 5,000 Jewish pupils engaged with outstanding Israel learning and events at [[JFS]], [[JCOSS]] and [[Yavneh College]] in London, and [[The King David High School]] in Manchester. Participants heard from outstanding speakers, commemorated Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in meaningful ceremonies, and took part in various fun and educational Israel-themed activities throughout the year.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20201104152531/https://ujia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5742-UJIA-Annual-Report-2018-2019-SP-ONLINE.pdf</ref> | ::Our grants to Jewish schools also ensured over 5,000 Jewish pupils engaged with outstanding Israel learning and events at [[JFS]], [[JCOSS]] and [[Yavneh College]] in London, and [[The King David High School]] in Manchester. Participants heard from outstanding speakers, commemorated Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in meaningful ceremonies, and took part in various fun and educational Israel-themed activities throughout the year.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20201104152531/https://ujia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5742-UJIA-Annual-Report-2018-2019-SP-ONLINE.pdf</ref> | ||
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| + | === Zionist Federation funding and the early Israel scheme (to 1998) === | ||
| + | In his 1998 history of the school, [[Gerry Black]] records that in 1964 the London Board negotiated with the [[Zionist Federation Educational Trust]] (ZFET) for the joint administration of the school's Department of Religious Education. The department was renamed the J. K. Goldbloom Department of Jewish Studies after Reverend J. K. Goldbloom, whom Black describes as "a pioneer of Jewish education, notable Zionist leader". Black writes that "The ZFET, founded in 1953 to support Israel-orientated Jewish schools, made a donation of £50,000 to JFS and promised an annual grant covering thirty per cent of the cost of the administration of the Department." Under the trust deed the department's committee had ten members, seven from the London Board and three from the [[Zionist Federation of the United Kingdom and Ireland|Zionist Federation]].<ref name="Black1998p210">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.210.</ref> According to Black, in 1957 the governors made the Chief Rabbi the final authority on religious observance and instruction; this was voluntary, not a Ministry requirement.<ref name="Black1998p214">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.214.</ref> By the summer of 1995 the ZFET had been "renamed the [[Scopus Jewish Educational Trust]]", according to a 1996 article by Judy Keiner.<ref name="Keiner1996">Judy Keiner, [https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v4n5.1996 Opening up Jewish Education to Inspection], ''Education Policy Analysis Archives'', vol. 4, no. 5, 25 March 1996, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> The [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] register records the previous name of Scopus (charity number 313154) as "The Friends of the Zionist Federation Educational Trust" and gives its registration date as 6 February 1964, which differs from Black's founding date of 1953.<ref name="CC313154gov">[[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]], [https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/313154/governance SCOPUS JEWISH EDUCATIONAL TRUST - 313154: Governance], ''Register of Charities'', accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | According to Black, the school ran a month-long tour of Israel in 1961, after school journeys to Paris (1959) and Switzerland (1960).<ref name="Black1998p211">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.211.</ref> He quotes the 1974 Prize Day Report, in which the headteacher, [[Edward S Conway|Edward Conway]], wrote: "I am more convinced now than ever before that Jewish education, in its widest interpretation, can be adequate only if pupils are exposed to it for an appropriate period in its most natural environment – that is within a residential school community in Israel."<ref name="Black1998p211">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.211.</ref> The school chosen was Givat Washington High School near Ashdod. "The first group of 17 went in September 1974. The hope was that they and succeeding groups would on their return raise the Jewish ethos of the School and act as a catalyst for a more intensive Jewish education."<ref name="Black1998p212">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.212.</ref> According to Black, selection was on merit, not on parents' ability to pay.<ref name="Black1998p212" /> Black writes that "The Ministry of Education in Israel recognized its special value, and made a generous financial contribution. The [[World Zionist Organization|World Zionist Organisation]] accepted responsibility for the general supervision of the scheme, and the ZFET accepted part responsibility for financing it." Black records that donations met a substantial deficit and that the period was reduced to five months.<ref name="Black1998p213">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.213.</ref> In September 1993 the scheme moved to Yemin Orde, a [[Youth Aliyah]] village. At the time Black was writing, "about 20 per cent of year 9 students go to Yemin Orde, and the [[King David School, Liverpool]], participates in the scheme."<ref name="Black1998p213" /> Black calls the scheme "one of the most significant, most innovative steps the School has taken, and one of its proudest achievements".<ref name="Black1998p214" /> An inspection report reproduced in his book credits the Year 9 Israel programme with developing pupils' "independence and cultural awareness, and the affirmation of their identity".<ref name="Black1998p242">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.242.</ref> | ||
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| + | Black described the school's aim in 1998 as follows: "The aim of the School is not to inculcate extreme orthodoxy nor Zionism in a political sense. Rather it is to turn out students who at the end of their School life have a stronger sense of pride and identity with, and if possible a commitment to, Judaism and Israel."<ref name="Black1998p229">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.229.</ref> He also records that from 1 April 1994 the governors took full responsibility for funding the Jewish Studies department, and that at the time of writing "parents are asked to contribute £250 per term for each child".<ref name="Black1998p242" /> | ||
===Israel residential Scheme=== | ===Israel residential Scheme=== | ||
The school has been running Israel residential trips to pupils for nearly 50 years. The information about the programme of events here is sourced from the 2020 briefing posted on the school website.<ref name="LEVbrochure">Internet Archive copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20210115211716/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf</ref> In 2020 the trip lasted three months from 5 January to 30 March. The programme was arranged in partnership with [[Alexander Muss High School in Israel]] (AMHSI) and 'promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'<ref name="LEVbrochure"/> The brochure claims: 'Students develop a deeper sense of pride and attachment to their Yidishkite and connection to Israel. Students also gain skills to become more mature, worldly, independent and self-aware. They also gain Israel literacy, invaluable knowledge about Israel. Many alumni refer to our programme as the single greatest experience of their life.'<ref name="LEVbrochure"/> | The school has been running Israel residential trips to pupils for nearly 50 years. The information about the programme of events here is sourced from the 2020 briefing posted on the school website.<ref name="LEVbrochure">Internet Archive copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20210115211716/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf</ref> In 2020 the trip lasted three months from 5 January to 30 March. The programme was arranged in partnership with [[Alexander Muss High School in Israel]] (AMHSI) and 'promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'<ref name="LEVbrochure"/> The brochure claims: 'Students develop a deeper sense of pride and attachment to their Yidishkite and connection to Israel. Students also gain skills to become more mature, worldly, independent and self-aware. They also gain Israel literacy, invaluable knowledge about Israel. Many alumni refer to our programme as the single greatest experience of their life.'<ref name="LEVbrochure"/> | ||
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-11 at 10.38.16.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-11 at 10.38.16.png|thumb|right|280px|All pages featuring "IDF" on the [[JFS]] website.]] |
| − | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-13 at 14.37.04.png|thumb|right| | + | [[File:Screenshot 2024-11-13 at 14.37.04.png|thumb|right|280px|Page not found on the [[JFS]] website. All pages with the term 'IDF' on them were deleted from the [[JFS]] website.]] |
===Wiping Zionist content from the website=== | ===Wiping Zionist content from the website=== | ||
| Line 52: | Line 92: | ||
A February 2020 [[Pikuach]] inspection reported that the sixth-form JLIFE track "includes the ABCs of Israel advocacy" and that a JFS charity campaign supported a "JNF Youth Centre Project".<ref name="PikuachJFS2020">[[Pikuach]], [https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JFS2020.pdf JFS inspection report], February 2020, ''pikuach.org.uk'', accessed 2 November 2026.</ref> A 2 April 2025 Pikuach report quoted a student who said the school had helped pupils after 7 October 2023 "by means of an assembly, where families of those whose lives were impacted by October 7th were invited to talk to the students".<ref name="PikuachJFS2025">[[Pikuach]], [https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JFS-02042025.pdf JFS inspection report], 2 April 2025, ''pikuach.org.uk'', accessed 2 November 2026.</ref> | A February 2020 [[Pikuach]] inspection reported that the sixth-form JLIFE track "includes the ABCs of Israel advocacy" and that a JFS charity campaign supported a "JNF Youth Centre Project".<ref name="PikuachJFS2020">[[Pikuach]], [https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/JFS2020.pdf JFS inspection report], February 2020, ''pikuach.org.uk'', accessed 2 November 2026.</ref> A 2 April 2025 Pikuach report quoted a student who said the school had helped pupils after 7 October 2023 "by means of an assembly, where families of those whose lives were impacted by October 7th were invited to talk to the students".<ref name="PikuachJFS2025">[[Pikuach]], [https://pikuach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JFS-02042025.pdf JFS inspection report], 2 April 2025, ''pikuach.org.uk'', accessed 2 November 2026.</ref> | ||
[[File:JFS X 5 June 2020 Ambassador Israel advocacy programme 2011.png|thumb|right|280px|JFS on X, 5 June 2020: "AMBASSADOR FINAL 2011", from "the JFS Israel advocacy programme".<ref name="JFSX20200605" />]] | [[File:JFS X 5 June 2020 Ambassador Israel advocacy programme 2011.png|thumb|right|280px|JFS on X, 5 June 2020: "AMBASSADOR FINAL 2011", from "the JFS Israel advocacy programme".<ref name="JFSX20200605" />]] | ||
| − | [[File:JFS X 3 June 2020 Aaron Wunsh Israeli Army alumni.png|thumb| | + | [[File:JFS X 3 June 2020 Aaron Wunsh Israeli Army alumni.png|thumb|right|280px|JFS on X, 3 June 2020: "Alumni Spotlight" on Aaron Wunsh, who "volunteered for the Israeli Army".<ref name="JFSX20200603" />]] |
[[File:JFS X 22 May 2020 Yom Yerushalayim.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS on X, 22 May 2020: "Happy Yom Yerushalayim from JFS!"<ref name="JFSX20200522" />]] | [[File:JFS X 22 May 2020 Yom Yerushalayim.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS on X, 22 May 2020: "Happy Yom Yerushalayim from JFS!"<ref name="JFSX20200522" />]] | ||
* On 5 June 2020 @JFSSchool posted an archive item on “The Ambassador,” described as the school’s “Israel advocacy programme” in which students “learnt how to engage with anti-Israel rhetoric” and practised public speaking.<ref name="JFSX20200605">JFS School (@JFSSchool), [https://x.com/JFSSchool/status/1268835888064233473 post], 5 June 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 5 June 2020 @JFSSchool posted an archive item on “The Ambassador,” described as the school’s “Israel advocacy programme” in which students “learnt how to engage with anti-Israel rhetoric” and practised public speaking.<ref name="JFSX20200605">JFS School (@JFSSchool), [https://x.com/JFSSchool/status/1268835888064233473 post], 5 June 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| Line 58: | Line 98: | ||
* On 22 May 2020 it posted "Happy Yom Yerushalayim from JFS!" with a YouTube video and the hashtag #yomyerushalayim.<ref name="JFSX20200522">JFS School (@JFSSchool), [https://x.com/JFSSchool/status/1263762157914775553 post], 22 May 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 22 May 2020 it posted "Happy Yom Yerushalayim from JFS!" with a YouTube video and the hashtag #yomyerushalayim.<ref name="JFSX20200522">JFS School (@JFSSchool), [https://x.com/JFSSchool/status/1263762157914775553 post], 22 May 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
* In March 2024 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that JFS, which “normally oversee[s] a three-week Israel programme for Year 9 students,” would not run the trip that year; Abi Keene, director of Jewish Life, said the school was “exploring trips to Europe” instead.<ref name="JCIsraelTour2024">Daniel Ben-David, [https://www.thejc.com/community/what-is-happening-with-israel-tour-gtxrmuff What is happening with Israel Tour?], ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 7 March 2024, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * In March 2024 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that JFS, which “normally oversee[s] a three-week Israel programme for Year 9 students,” would not run the trip that year; Abi Keene, director of Jewish Life, said the school was “exploring trips to Europe” instead.<ref name="JCIsraelTour2024">Daniel Ben-David, [https://www.thejc.com/community/what-is-happening-with-israel-tour-gtxrmuff What is happening with Israel Tour?], ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 7 March 2024, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| − | * In December 2018 the same paper reported JFS among schools selected for JNF UK’s £1.2 million Israel-studies programme, with secondary grants of up to £50,000 a year; JFS was named among schools that would take students to Israel to volunteer on JNF UK projects.<ref name="JCJNF2018">Barry Toberman, [https://www.thejc.com/news/community/jnf-invests-heavily-in-israel-studies-for-uk-pupils-hgui3iie JNF invests heavily in Israel studies for UK pupils], ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 14 December 2018, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | + | * In December 2018 the same paper reported JFS among schools selected for JNF UK’s £1.2 million Israel-studies programme, with secondary grants of up to £50,000 a year; JFS was named among schools that would take students to Israel to volunteer on JNF UK projects.<ref name="JCJNF2018">Barry Toberman, [https://www.thejc.com/news/community/jnf-invests-heavily-in-israel-studies-for-uk-pupils-hgui3iie JNF invests heavily in Israel studies for UK pupils], ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 14 December 2018, accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> The print report, headed “JNF funds UK pupils for Israel studies”, stated: “Primary and secondary schools were invited to apply for funding and 18 were selected, among them [[JFS]], [[Yavneh College]], [[Immanuel College]] and [[The King David High School, Manchester|Manchester King David]].” It added: “Immanuel, Yavneh College and JFS will use their money to take students to Israel, where they will volunteer on JNF UK projects.” Of other, unnamed schools it said: “Other schools will be assisted by young religious women on the [[Sherut Leumi]] national service programme, which offers an alternative to serving in the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]].”<ref name="JCJNFArchive2018">Barry Toberman, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/MTMxZWM5ODEtNDExYy00 JNF funds UK pupils for Israel studies], ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 14 December 2018, p.1, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> |
[[File:Jewish Chronicle 26 July 2019 p15 JFS Beat the Clock JNF.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS Year 7 team that won Beat the Clock; JNF UK supported the event, July 2019.<ref name="JCBeatClock2019" />]] | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 26 July 2019 p15 JFS Beat the Clock JNF.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS Year 7 team that won Beat the Clock; JNF UK supported the event, July 2019.<ref name="JCBeatClock2019" />]] | ||
* On 26 July 2019 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that a JFS team won Beat the Clock, "the annual contest run by [[The King David High School, Manchester|King David High School in Manchester]]"; more than 200 year-seven students took part. Ruth Wilkinson, SmartGiving grants co-ordinator of [[Jewish National Fund|JNF UK]], which supported the event, said: "To see our partner secondary schools joining together in such a vibrant learning environment was an absolute pleasure."<ref name="JCBeatClock2019">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 26 July 2019, p.15, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NGIzZWFhMDAtYzQ4NS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 26 July 2019 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that a JFS team won Beat the Clock, "the annual contest run by [[The King David High School, Manchester|King David High School in Manchester]]"; more than 200 year-seven students took part. Ruth Wilkinson, SmartGiving grants co-ordinator of [[Jewish National Fund|JNF UK]], which supported the event, said: "To see our partner secondary schools joining together in such a vibrant learning environment was an absolute pleasure."<ref name="JCBeatClock2019">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 26 July 2019, p.15, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NGIzZWFhMDAtYzQ4NS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| − | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 1 July 1977 p4 JNF school choirs.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 1 July 1977 p4 JNF school choirs.png|thumb|right|220px|JNF Festival of Jewish School Choirs naming JFS Comprehensive among participants, July 1977.<ref name="JCChoirs1977" />]] |
* On 1 July 1977 the paper reported the annual [[Jewish National Fund|JNF]] Festival of Jewish School Choirs at Wembley Conference Centre; participants included "JFS Comprehensive School" among nine named schools. Massed choirs of some 400 children sang "Od Yishama", conducted by Rev Reuben Turner, director of the JNF youth and education department.<ref name="JCChoirs1977">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 1 July 1977, p.4, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ODM0Y2RhNTctYTAzMS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 1 July 1977 the paper reported the annual [[Jewish National Fund|JNF]] Festival of Jewish School Choirs at Wembley Conference Centre; participants included "JFS Comprehensive School" among nine named schools. Massed choirs of some 400 children sang "Od Yishama", conducted by Rev Reuben Turner, director of the JNF youth and education department.<ref name="JCChoirs1977">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 1 July 1977, p.4, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ODM0Y2RhNTctYTAzMS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
* On 20 May 1983 it reported the JNF schools quiz on Israel and Judaism: JFS from Camden (Daniel Jacobs and Sharon Fluss, 65 points) reached the final, and JFS also fielded a second first-year team.<ref name="JCQuiz1983">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 20 May 1983, p.25, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZGMxZDYxMDgtZTliMi00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 20 May 1983 it reported the JNF schools quiz on Israel and Judaism: JFS from Camden (Daniel Jacobs and Sharon Fluss, 65 points) reached the final, and JFS also fielded a second first-year team.<ref name="JCQuiz1983">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 20 May 1983, p.25, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZGMxZDYxMDgtZTliMi00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
[[File:Jewish Chronicle 26 April 2002 p20 JFS Independence Day.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS Yom Ha'atzmaut flags and Israeli-style lunch, April 2002.<ref name="JCIndep2002">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 26 April 2002, p.20, "Independence Day crowds", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NGI1MzZjMGQtZTlkYS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>]] | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 26 April 2002 p20 JFS Independence Day.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS Yom Ha'atzmaut flags and Israeli-style lunch, April 2002.<ref name="JCIndep2002">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 26 April 2002, p.20, "Independence Day crowds", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NGI1MzZjMGQtZTlkYS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>]] | ||
* On 26 April 2002 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that for Independence Day events JFS "was covered in blue-and-white flags for the day" and "The lunch menu was changed to included Israeli-style food"; earlier that week, year-10 Jewish-studies classes "met children of the same age who had come from Israel."<ref name="JCIndep2002">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 26 April 2002, p.20, "Independence Day crowds", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NGI1MzZjMGQtZTlkYS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 26 April 2002 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that for Independence Day events JFS "was covered in blue-and-white flags for the day" and "The lunch menu was changed to included Israeli-style food"; earlier that week, year-10 Jewish-studies classes "met children of the same age who had come from Israel."<ref name="JCIndep2002">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 26 April 2002, p.20, "Independence Day crowds", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NGI1MzZjMGQtZTlkYS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| − | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 20 April 2018 p18 When the Smoke Clears.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 20 April 2018 p18 When the Smoke Clears.png|thumb|right|260px|JFS among schools showing ''When the Smoke Clears'' for Yom Hazikaron, 2018.<ref name="JCSmoke2018">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 20 April 2018, p.18, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZWZjMzY2YTAtMTk1OS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>]] |
* On 20 April 2018 the paper reported that JFS, [[King Solomon High School|Kantor King Solomon]] and [[Yavneh College]] showed ''When the Smoke Clears'' for [[Yom HaZikaron]].<ref name="JCSmoke2018">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 20 April 2018, p.18, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZWZjMzY2YTAtMTk1OS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 20 April 2018 the paper reported that JFS, [[King Solomon High School|Kantor King Solomon]] and [[Yavneh College]] showed ''When the Smoke Clears'' for [[Yom HaZikaron]].<ref name="JCSmoke2018">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 20 April 2018, p.18, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/ZWZjMzY2YTAtMTk1OS00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
[[File:Jewish Chronicle 19 May 2023 p3 Knopf Garin Tzabar.png|thumb|right|260px|Former JFS pupil Knopf and IDF Garin Tzabar.<ref name="JCKnopf2023">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 19 May 2023, p.3, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NzEyMzVlNzItZTEzOC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>]] | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 19 May 2023 p3 Knopf Garin Tzabar.png|thumb|right|260px|Former JFS pupil Knopf and IDF Garin Tzabar.<ref name="JCKnopf2023">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 19 May 2023, p.3, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NzEyMzVlNzItZTEzOC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>]] | ||
* On 19 May 2023 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that Knopf, a former JFS pupil (primary at [[The Moriah Jewish Day School|Moriah Jewish Day School]], Pinner), made aliyah at 18 and enlisted into a combat role via the [[IDF]]'s Garin Tzabar programme.<ref name="JCKnopf2023">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 19 May 2023, p.3, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NzEyMzVlNzItZTEzOC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 19 May 2023 ''The Jewish Chronicle'' reported that Knopf, a former JFS pupil (primary at [[The Moriah Jewish Day School|Moriah Jewish Day School]], Pinner), made aliyah at 18 and enlisted into a combat role via the [[IDF]]'s Garin Tzabar programme.<ref name="JCKnopf2023">''The Jewish Chronicle'', 19 May 2023, p.3, [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NzEyMzVlNzItZTEzOC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| − | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 13 October 2023 p8 JFS Nathanel Young Jake Marlowe.png|thumb| | + | [[File:Jewish Chronicle 13 October 2023 p8 JFS Nathanel Young Jake Marlowe.png|thumb|right|280px|Katie Grant and Richard Percival on former JFS pupils Nathanel Young and Jake Marlowe, 13 October 2023.<ref name="JCYoung2023">Katie Grant and Richard Percival, ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 13 October 2023, p.8, "the relatives and friends left behind", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NThmMDAzYWYtYzg2OC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref>]] |
* On 13 October 2023 Katie Grant and Richard Percival reported that at least 17 British nationals were dead or missing after Hamas's attack on Israel, "including two former JFS pupils": Nathanel Young, 20, "who was serving in the IDF, was killed fighting terrorists on the Gaza border" and had been living at Bayit Shel Benji in Raanana; Jake Marlowe, 26, who attended the same school, had been on a security team at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re'im and was confirmed dead.<ref name="JCYoung2023">Katie Grant and Richard Percival, ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 13 October 2023, p.8, "the relatives and friends left behind", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NThmMDAzYWYtYzg2OC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | * On 13 October 2023 Katie Grant and Richard Percival reported that at least 17 British nationals were dead or missing after Hamas's attack on Israel, "including two former JFS pupils": Nathanel Young, 20, "who was serving in the IDF, was killed fighting terrorists on the Gaza border" and had been living at Bayit Shel Benji in Raanana; Jake Marlowe, 26, who attended the same school, had been on a security team at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re'im and was confirmed dead.<ref name="JCYoung2023">Katie Grant and Richard Percival, ''The Jewish Chronicle'', 13 October 2023, p.8, "the relatives and friends left behind", [https://www.thejc.com/archive/NThmMDAzYWYtYzg2OC00 archive], accessed 6 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Images == | ||
| + | <gallery widths="220px" heights="200px"> | ||
| + | File:Screenshot 2024-11-13 at 12.12.04.png|[[JFS]] homepage, 7 October 2024 | ||
| + | File:Screenshot 2024-11-13 at 10.55.05.png|[[JFS]] website homepage, 13 November 2024 | ||
| + | File:JFS Yom Haatzmaut students outdoors blurred.jpg|JFS students celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut outdoors (pupils' faces blurred; from the school website, accessed 5 November 2026) | ||
| + | File:JFS Yom HaZikaron assembly blurred.jpg|JFS Yom HaZikaron assembly (pupils' faces blurred; school website, accessed 5 November 2026) | ||
| + | File:JFS Ahavat Yisrael blurred.jpg|JFS website image labelled Ahavat Yisrael (pupils' faces blurred; accessed 5 November 2026) | ||
| + | </gallery> | ||
==Beit Halochem UK== | ==Beit Halochem UK== | ||
| Line 105: | Line 154: | ||
==Funding== | ==Funding== | ||
*[[The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust]] | [[Wolfson Family Charitable Trust]] | [[Bluston Charitable Settlement]] | [[Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation]] | [[Garrard Family Foundation]] | *[[The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust]] | [[Wolfson Family Charitable Trust]] | [[Bluston Charitable Settlement]] | [[Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation]] | [[Garrard Family Foundation]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | In his 1998 history, [[Gerry Black]] names among the school's donors the [[Wolfson Family Charitable Trust]], [[The Wolfson Foundation]] and the Sherman Fund, and writes: "Joy and Stanley Cohen provided the funds for a science wing, [[Harry Sacher]] for the history section, and the Charles Wolfson Fund for the swimming pool. Lord Marks has given generously. [[Michael Levy]] (now Lord Levy) has strong connections with the charitably minded in the community and has brought many of them in."<ref name="Black1998p220">[[Gerry Black]], ''JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732'', Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.220.</ref> | ||
==People== | ==People== | ||
| Line 228: | Line 279: | ||
| 1958–1972 | | 1958–1972 | ||
| Dr. [[Edward S Conway]]<ref name="w796">{{cite book | last=Conway | first=E.S. | title=Comprehending Comprehensives: The J.F.S. Experience | publisher=Woburn Press | year=1983 | isbn=978-0-7130-4008-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXJ7eZTeaD4C | access-date=1 October 2024 | page=}}</ref> | | Dr. [[Edward S Conway]]<ref name="w796">{{cite book | last=Conway | first=E.S. | title=Comprehending Comprehensives: The J.F.S. Experience | publisher=Woburn Press | year=1983 | isbn=978-0-7130-4008-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SXJ7eZTeaD4C | access-date=1 October 2024 | page=}}</ref> | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | 1926 | ||
| + | | L. Bowman<ref name="EEN19260319" /><ref name="HN19501130" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 1897–1907 | | 1897–1907 | ||
| Line 301: | Line 355: | ||
*Ofsted: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/133724 | *Ofsted: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/133724 | ||
*https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03942126 | *https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03942126 | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
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| − | |||
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== External links == | == External links == | ||
| Line 317: | Line 363: | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| + | * [[JNF UK and Jewish schools]] | ||
* [[Jewish Schools in the UK]] | * [[Jewish Schools in the UK]] | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Latest revision as of 08:46, 11 November 2026
| JFS | |
|---|---|
| Motto | |
| Established | 1732 |
| Type | Voluntary aided comprehensive |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Jewish |
| Headteacher | Dr David Moody |
| Address | The Mall |
| City | Kenton |
| County | London |
| Postcode | HA3 9TE |
| Country | England |
| Enrolment | 2,091[1] |
| Gender | Co-educational |
| Age range | 11–18 |
| Website | https://www.jfs.brent.sch.uk/ |
| URN 133724. Current Kenton campus opened 1 September 2002. Photograph from the school website.[2] | |
JFS (formerly known as the Jews' Free School[3] and later Jewish Free School[4][5][6]) is a Jewish mixed comprehensive school in Kenton, North London, England and was founded in 1732. Amongst its early supporters was the writer and philanthropist Charlotte Montefiore (1818–1854).[7] At one time it was the largest Jewish school in the world, with more than 4,000 pupils.[8]
The school is run by the JFS Charitable Trust Limited (Company number 03942126)/JFS Development Charitable Trust (Charity number: 1114730).
History
The New Times reported that on 17 May 1821 the first stone of the Jews' Free School in Bell Lane, Spitalfields, built for 600 boys and 300 girls, was laid, and that the Chief Rabbi, the Rev. Dr Hirschel, delivered a prayer. The paper described the school as "established about four years since by the Hebrew nation, for the instruction of the Jewish poor" (about 1817).[9]
In February 1907 Daily Telegraph reported that L. B. Abrahams, the retiring headmaster, was presented with a salver, inkstand and stamp-box by the cadet corps and school boys. Abrahams had founded the school's cadet corps, then in existence for seven years and described in the report as "the best uniformed cadet corps"; he was to leave at the end of the following month. The paper described the school as the "largest elementary educational establishment in the country".[10]
On 1 July 1914 the same paper reported a prize distribution at which Lord Rothschild presided and Lady Rothschild gave the prizes. Those present included the Chief Rabbi, O. E. D'Avigdor Goldsmid, Hyman Isaacs, E. L. Walford, Ernst Schiff and Col. F. A. Lucas. Among the awards, Morris Rosenberg received a Jews' Commemoration Scholarship, Benjamin Fisher the Anthony de Rothschild Gold Medal, and Marks Greenberg the Montagu Halford Scholarship. The report praised the school's recreation classes and recorded a display of physical drill by boys and girls.[11]
In March 1926 East End News and London Shipping Chronicle reported the retirement of H. Michaels, vice-master of the Jews' Free School, Aldgate, after 51 years' service. He was presented with a silver cake basket by L. Bowman, the headmaster, and with tea-knives from pupils; an old boys' presentation was organised by Alderman Harry Gosling, a former mayor of Stepney.[12] Hampstead News published an obituary on 30 November 1950 of a Mr Bowman, who had died at Westminster Hospital on 21 November 1950 after a week's illness. It described him as "formerly headmaster of the Jews' Free School in the East End", and as chairman of the Education Committee of the Jewish Religious Education Board, vice-chairman of the Central Schools Employment Committee, a member of the Central Committee for Jewish Education, and president of the South Hendon Liberal Association. The first name is not given in the report; he is probably the L. Bowman named as headmaster in 1926.[13]
In December 1940 Jewish Echo reported that David Lazarus, "a Jews' Free School boy and a member of the Home Guard, aged 17", had been recommended for a bravery award after rescuing four people from a bombed East End block of flats. He was buried under a wall, suffered skull fractures, and was recovering.[14]
In November 1941 East London Observer, in an article on bomb damage in the East End headed "Scars of East London", wrote that a large portion of the Jews' Free School had "now gone". It said the school, "erected by Jewry itself and kept up by voluntary subscriptions", had subsequently been "taken over by the School Board for London" and was "now a non-provided Central School aided by the L.C.C." The School Board claim is that of the paper.[15]
Search-result summaries in the British Newspaper Archive place evacuees from the Jews' Free School at Isleham (land at Malting Lane hired for scholars of the school) in October 1939,[16] and at Fordham, where E. Crookes of the school won a draughts tournament, with a prize from J. Benjamin.[17] The JFS Choir appeared at a concert organised by the Soham Evacuation Social Committee in April 1941.[18] A November 1939 report named A. A. Harris, "a master from the Jewish Free School now residing in Soham", operating a lantern at a Young Helpers' League meeting.[19] Evacuees of the school at Mousehole, Cornwall, held a Christmas party in 1941.[20]
Orientation to Zionism
On 15 May 2015 a Jewish Chronicle comment piece described JFS pupils answering critical coverage with the Twitter hashtag #iloveJFSbecause; one cited activities that "really enrich school life throughout the year, such as with the mock election, Yom Haatzmaut and Purim."[21] JFS is a secondary school which names its houses after Chaim Weizmann, Israel Zangwill, Selig Brodetsky and Moses Angel. David Miller has described Weizmann, Zangwill and Brodetsky as "racist settler colonial ideologues".[22] The school says it is 'proud of its long standing and deep connections to the State of Israel. For over 40 years the school has offered a bespoke residential programme in Israel to provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in life in Israel, improve their Hebrew and enhance their knowledge of Jewish studies, culture and history beyond what is taught at school. ... The JFS programme [in Israel] promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'[23][24][25]
- 'Students participating in Israel Club at school enjoyed a visit from speakers of Stand With Us. The session was focused on enabling students to distinguish differences between anti-Semitism and valid criticism of the state of Israel.'[26]
- 'Our dynamic JiEP department delivered outstanding programmes in commemoration of Yom Hazikaron and in celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut this week. One Year 8 student commenting on Yom Ha’atzmaut said, “The atmosphere, the food, the fun, blue and white, Israel, the socialising, it was like a big birthday party!” HAPPY 73rd BIRTHDAY ISRAEL and well done JiEP!'[27]
- 'Last night we were honoured to host her Excellency Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli Ambassador to London, to dedicate a special memorial garden at JFS for Dr Ami Shachori z’l who was the Israeli Agriculture Attaché in London from 1968-1972, assassinated whilst serving at the Embassy in London. His children, who are JFS Alumni, were present to cut the ribbon to the new garden... we were delighted to welcome the Sinai School Choir that sang Oseh Shalom and the Hatikvah.'[28]
- 'Israel is at the heart of JFS. Students are encouraged to engage with Israel through visits in Year 9 ... our active Israel Club and the celebration of all Israeli festivals. We are proud that many students go on to complete a year of further study, volunteering and social action in Israel before commencing university... A range of high profile speakers also visit the Israel Society to keep students informed of current developments and points of interest... JFS has a long and proud tradition of association with the State of Israel. Since its earliest days in Camden Town, this has included offering students the opportunity to spend time in Israel on an organised programme. Currently JFS offers two schemes: Lev, a three month Israel programme for Year 9 students, based at Alexander Muss High School in Israel, and ATOI, the two week ‘A Taste of Israel’ programme.'[29]
- 'This week our Head Boy and Head Girl team hosted the Senior Prefect teams from Immanuel College, JCOSS and Yavneh College for an Israel themed inter-school event. They discussed the various student-led initiatives taking place at each school, as well as Yom Hazikaron, Yom Ha’Atzmaut and October 7th; lighting candles and telling stories in remembrance. They then created hostage badges to be distributed to students in each school. This was a meaningful opportunity for the schools to reflect the unity within our community. A huge thank you to GIFT, for making these activities possible.'[30]
- The school has been involved with the UJIA programme of Israel education:
- Our grants to Jewish schools also ensured over 5,000 Jewish pupils engaged with outstanding Israel learning and events at JFS, JCOSS and Yavneh College in London, and The King David High School in Manchester. Participants heard from outstanding speakers, commemorated Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in meaningful ceremonies, and took part in various fun and educational Israel-themed activities throughout the year.[32]
Zionist Federation funding and the early Israel scheme (to 1998)
In his 1998 history of the school, Gerry Black records that in 1964 the London Board negotiated with the Zionist Federation Educational Trust (ZFET) for the joint administration of the school's Department of Religious Education. The department was renamed the J. K. Goldbloom Department of Jewish Studies after Reverend J. K. Goldbloom, whom Black describes as "a pioneer of Jewish education, notable Zionist leader". Black writes that "The ZFET, founded in 1953 to support Israel-orientated Jewish schools, made a donation of £50,000 to JFS and promised an annual grant covering thirty per cent of the cost of the administration of the Department." Under the trust deed the department's committee had ten members, seven from the London Board and three from the Zionist Federation.[33] According to Black, in 1957 the governors made the Chief Rabbi the final authority on religious observance and instruction; this was voluntary, not a Ministry requirement.[34] By the summer of 1995 the ZFET had been "renamed the Scopus Jewish Educational Trust", according to a 1996 article by Judy Keiner.[35] The Charity Commission register records the previous name of Scopus (charity number 313154) as "The Friends of the Zionist Federation Educational Trust" and gives its registration date as 6 February 1964, which differs from Black's founding date of 1953.[36]
According to Black, the school ran a month-long tour of Israel in 1961, after school journeys to Paris (1959) and Switzerland (1960).[37] He quotes the 1974 Prize Day Report, in which the headteacher, Edward Conway, wrote: "I am more convinced now than ever before that Jewish education, in its widest interpretation, can be adequate only if pupils are exposed to it for an appropriate period in its most natural environment – that is within a residential school community in Israel."[37] The school chosen was Givat Washington High School near Ashdod. "The first group of 17 went in September 1974. The hope was that they and succeeding groups would on their return raise the Jewish ethos of the School and act as a catalyst for a more intensive Jewish education."[38] According to Black, selection was on merit, not on parents' ability to pay.[38] Black writes that "The Ministry of Education in Israel recognized its special value, and made a generous financial contribution. The World Zionist Organisation accepted responsibility for the general supervision of the scheme, and the ZFET accepted part responsibility for financing it." Black records that donations met a substantial deficit and that the period was reduced to five months.[39] In September 1993 the scheme moved to Yemin Orde, a Youth Aliyah village. At the time Black was writing, "about 20 per cent of year 9 students go to Yemin Orde, and the King David School, Liverpool, participates in the scheme."[39] Black calls the scheme "one of the most significant, most innovative steps the School has taken, and one of its proudest achievements".[34] An inspection report reproduced in his book credits the Year 9 Israel programme with developing pupils' "independence and cultural awareness, and the affirmation of their identity".[40]
Black described the school's aim in 1998 as follows: "The aim of the School is not to inculcate extreme orthodoxy nor Zionism in a political sense. Rather it is to turn out students who at the end of their School life have a stronger sense of pride and identity with, and if possible a commitment to, Judaism and Israel."[41] He also records that from 1 April 1994 the governors took full responsibility for funding the Jewish Studies department, and that at the time of writing "parents are asked to contribute £250 per term for each child".[40]
Israel residential Scheme
The school has been running Israel residential trips to pupils for nearly 50 years. The information about the programme of events here is sourced from the 2020 briefing posted on the school website.[42] In 2020 the trip lasted three months from 5 January to 30 March. The programme was arranged in partnership with Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI) and 'promotes the values and ethos of JFS including the ideals of Zionist Modern Orthodoxy.'[42] The brochure claims: 'Students develop a deeper sense of pride and attachment to their Yidishkite and connection to Israel. Students also gain skills to become more mature, worldly, independent and self-aware. They also gain Israel literacy, invaluable knowledge about Israel. Many alumni refer to our programme as the single greatest experience of their life.'[42]
Wiping Zionist content from the website
Between the 7 October 2024[43] and the 13 November 2024,[44] JFS deleted its website and uploaded an entirely new site. One effect of this was that the following terms were eliminated: 'IDF', 'Zionist' and 'Zionism'.
Soldiers, memorials and advocacy (2019–2025)
On 6 November 2023 the school reported that Sixth Formers had set up a stall titled "Mitzvot In the Merit of Our Soldiers and Captives", "where students could make brachot over biscuits, put on tefilin, take candles for Shabbat and send notes to soldiers in Israel. We pray that in the merit of these mitzvot our soldiers will be safe and our captives will be returned soon."[45] On 13 October 2023 it reported that the Year 11 football team "held a 1-minute silence prior to kick off to show their respects to all those that have passed away in Israel."[46]
For Yom Hazikaron in May 2022 the school wrote that "every student in school had a Tekes" and that "200 students participated in a run in collaboration with WZO where each student ran in the memory of a fallen soldier", thanking UJIA, JNF, Mizrachi UK and WZO for their partnership.[47]
On 1 February 2019 Colonel Richard Kemp CBE, described by the school as "A popular and regular visitor to JFS", addressed Year 13 students "about the relationship between Britain and Israel".[48] In January 2018 the Israeli NGO My Truth founder Emanuel Miller, a British-born IDF veteran, "addressed 300 pupils at Jewish secondary schools", including a Year 13 group at JFS.[49] On 2 February 2023 Jewish News reported that Royal Marine and Beit Halochem UK ambassador Chris Hayes spoke to 525 Year 10 and Year 12 pupils at JFS (a previous visit had been in 2022).[50]
On 28 November 2023 the school said it had welcomed back Charlotte Korchak, a StandWithUs educator, "to speak to our Year 10 cohort ... to try to understand the current situation."[51] On 27 December 2022 it reported that Israeli ambassador Tzipi Hotovely "spent time chatting to our students" at a Chanukah event on the return of Year 9 LEV programme students from Alexander Muss High School.[52]
A February 2020 Pikuach inspection reported that the sixth-form JLIFE track "includes the ABCs of Israel advocacy" and that a JFS charity campaign supported a "JNF Youth Centre Project".[53] A 2 April 2025 Pikuach report quoted a student who said the school had helped pupils after 7 October 2023 "by means of an assembly, where families of those whose lives were impacted by October 7th were invited to talk to the students".[54]
- On 5 June 2020 @JFSSchool posted an archive item on “The Ambassador,” described as the school’s “Israel advocacy programme” in which students “learnt how to engage with anti-Israel rhetoric” and practised public speaking.[55]
- On 3 June 2020 the account ran an "Alumni Spotlight" on Aaron Wunsh, who it said "graduated from JFS in 2010, spent 2 years studying in the Old City then volunteered for the Israeli Army" (the Israel Defense Forces), before studying at King's College and working at KPMG. The Old City of Jerusalem is in occupied East Jerusalem, beyond the Green Line.[56]
- On 22 May 2020 it posted "Happy Yom Yerushalayim from JFS!" with a YouTube video and the hashtag #yomyerushalayim.[57]
- In March 2024 The Jewish Chronicle reported that JFS, which “normally oversee[s] a three-week Israel programme for Year 9 students,” would not run the trip that year; Abi Keene, director of Jewish Life, said the school was “exploring trips to Europe” instead.[58]
- In December 2018 the same paper reported JFS among schools selected for JNF UK’s £1.2 million Israel-studies programme, with secondary grants of up to £50,000 a year; JFS was named among schools that would take students to Israel to volunteer on JNF UK projects.[59] The print report, headed “JNF funds UK pupils for Israel studies”, stated: “Primary and secondary schools were invited to apply for funding and 18 were selected, among them JFS, Yavneh College, Immanuel College and Manchester King David.” It added: “Immanuel, Yavneh College and JFS will use their money to take students to Israel, where they will volunteer on JNF UK projects.” Of other, unnamed schools it said: “Other schools will be assisted by young religious women on the Sherut Leumi national service programme, which offers an alternative to serving in the IDF.”[60]
- On 26 July 2019 The Jewish Chronicle reported that a JFS team won Beat the Clock, "the annual contest run by King David High School in Manchester"; more than 200 year-seven students took part. Ruth Wilkinson, SmartGiving grants co-ordinator of JNF UK, which supported the event, said: "To see our partner secondary schools joining together in such a vibrant learning environment was an absolute pleasure."[61]
- On 1 July 1977 the paper reported the annual JNF Festival of Jewish School Choirs at Wembley Conference Centre; participants included "JFS Comprehensive School" among nine named schools. Massed choirs of some 400 children sang "Od Yishama", conducted by Rev Reuben Turner, director of the JNF youth and education department.[62]
- On 20 May 1983 it reported the JNF schools quiz on Israel and Judaism: JFS from Camden (Daniel Jacobs and Sharon Fluss, 65 points) reached the final, and JFS also fielded a second first-year team.[63]
- On 26 April 2002 The Jewish Chronicle reported that for Independence Day events JFS "was covered in blue-and-white flags for the day" and "The lunch menu was changed to included Israeli-style food"; earlier that week, year-10 Jewish-studies classes "met children of the same age who had come from Israel."[64]
- On 20 April 2018 the paper reported that JFS, Kantor King Solomon and Yavneh College showed When the Smoke Clears for Yom HaZikaron.[65]
- On 19 May 2023 The Jewish Chronicle reported that Knopf, a former JFS pupil (primary at Moriah Jewish Day School, Pinner), made aliyah at 18 and enlisted into a combat role via the IDF's Garin Tzabar programme.[66]
- On 13 October 2023 Katie Grant and Richard Percival reported that at least 17 British nationals were dead or missing after Hamas's attack on Israel, "including two former JFS pupils": Nathanel Young, 20, "who was serving in the IDF, was killed fighting terrorists on the Gaza border" and had been living at Bayit Shel Benji in Raanana; Jake Marlowe, 26, who attended the same school, had been on a security team at the Nova music festival near Kibbutz Re'im and was confirmed dead.[67]
Images
Beit Halochem UK
Beit Halochem UK is a British charity that raises money for the Beit Halochem rehabilitation centres for disabled Israeli soldiers and victims of attacks in Israel.[68] In February 2018 The Jewish Chronicle reported that "Beit Halochem UK has brought over wounded veterans to speak to Immanuel College, JFS and Yavneh College".[69]
Beit Halochem UK, a British charity that raises money for the Beit Halochem rehabilitation centres for disabled Israeli soldiers and victims of attacks in Israel,[68] lists JFS among the schools that took part in a non-uniform day in its aid. The charity's "For Schools" page, as archived in February 2025, thanked the schools listed "for showing solidarity with our soldiers".[70] The page also invites schools to host a veteran who will speak to pupils about "courage and resilience" and "the sacrifices made by our soldiers". By November 2026 the wording had become "our veterans", and the page said such visits had been "particularly meaningful" around Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron.[71] In November 2026 the school's logo was among those displayed on the charity's schools page.[71] The charity's "For Schools" page named JFS among the schools it had "worked with" in the past, in a passage inviting schools to run fundraising events or to choose Beit Halochem as their "charity partner". The list appears in archived copies from January 2022[72] and February 2025,[70] but the passage was removed when the charity redesigned its website.[71]
JFS hosts the charity's annual "It's a Knockout" event. The charity reported that in June 2025 "More than 850 young people and their families came together at JFS in Kenton" and raised £38,000 "for the 65,000 disabled veterans and victims of terror cared for at the charity's four rehabilitation centres in Israel"; its post was headed "Hundreds of young people help raise £38k for IDF veteran charity".[73] On 7 June 2026 "More than 1,150 children and 700 adults" attended the event "at JFS School in Harrow", which raised £46,000 for "construction of specialised PTSD clinics in Israel".[74]
The chair of Beit Halochem UK is Andrew Wolfson, who according to the charity has been a trustee since April 2016 and chairman since May 2018. The same page says he is also a trustee of The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust.[75]
Israel on the school website (2026)
The school's home page lists "Ahavat Yisrael" among its values: "A confident, nuanced connection to Israel and the global Jewish people".[76] Its vision includes "a love of the State of Israel and learning Hebrew as part of Jewish Heritage", and the school prayer asks that pupils be "Strong in their attachment to Judaism, the Jewish people and to Israel".[77] Its residential trips include a "Year 9 ATOI (A Taste of Israel) Trip",[78] and its parental contributions page says donations fund "the essential identity-building trips to Israel and Poland".[79] The informal education programme (JiEP) lists an Israel Club and shinshinim among its activities.[80] The four houses are named after Moses Angel, Selig Brodetsky ("Mathematician & Zionist Leader"), Israel Zangwill and Chaim Weizmann ("First President of Israel").[81]
Inspections
The Department for Education records JFS (URN 133724) as a voluntary aided secondary school for pupils aged 11 to 18 with a Jewish religious character, opened on 1 September 2002, with a capacity of 2,165 and 2,091 pupils on roll; its headteacher is Dr David Moody.[1]
| Date of inspection | Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 28 April 2026 | Report card inspection | Achievement, curriculum and teaching, personal development and wellbeing, leadership and governance, and post-16 provision: exceptional. Attendance and behaviour, and inclusion: strong standard. Safeguarding standards met[82] |
| 4 and 28 April 2022 | Full inspection | Good (previous grade Inadequate)[83] |
| 30 April–5 May 2021 | Full inspection | Inadequate[84] |
| 8–9 November 2016 | Full inspection | Good[85] |
The 2026 report names Mark Hurst as chair of governors and says the school's last section 48 inspection, of its religious education, was in March 2025.[82]
Charities
The JFS Charitable Trust Limited (charity number 1114730, company number 03942126) had income of £1,807,159 and spending of £1,869,274 in the year to 31 March 2025.[86] Companies House lists its directors as Noam Attar and Isaac Benjamin Haim Cooper (both from 22 July 2025), Michael Jeffrey Dunitz (4 January 2025), Robert Bradley Gershon (31 March 2023), Mark Michael Hurst (1 September 2024), Ishai Eliezer Novick (6 July 2011) and Anthony Wagerman (1 September 2025), with Manpreet Kaur Bal as secretary.[87] Companies House lists Ishai Eliezer Novick as a person with significant control.[88] The JFS Parents Association (charity number 294872) had income of £34,382 in the year to 31 July 2025; its trustees are Shiri Kraus (chair), Deborah Moss and Elizabeth Segal.[89]
Funding
- The Charles Wolfson Charitable Trust | Wolfson Family Charitable Trust | Bluston Charitable Settlement | Maurice Wohl Charitable Foundation | Garrard Family Foundation
In his 1998 history, Gerry Black names among the school's donors the Wolfson Family Charitable Trust, The Wolfson Foundation and the Sherman Fund, and writes: "Joy and Stanley Cohen provided the funds for a science wing, Harry Sacher for the history section, and the Charles Wolfson Fund for the swimming pool. Lord Marks has given generously. Michael Levy (now Lord Levy) has strong connections with the charitably minded in the community and has brought many of them in."[90]
People
Directors
| Name | Correspondence address | Role | Position | Date of birth | Appointed on | Resigned on | Nationality | Country of residence | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manpreet Kaur Bal | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Secretary | 5 July 2021 | |||||
| Robert Bradley Gershon | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Director | July 1975 | 31 March 2023 | British | United Kingdom | Chartered Accountant | |
| Mark Michael Hurst | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Director | January 1971 | 1 September 2024 | British | England | Solicitor | |
| Richard Ian Kafton | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Director | October 1956 | 13 December 2005 | British | England | Ifa | |
| Dr David Moody | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Director | June 1979 | 26 January 2022 | British | United Kingdom | Headteacher | |
| Ishai Eliezer Novick | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Director | May 1971 | 6 July 2011 | British | England | Company Director | |
| Stephen Howard John Pack | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Active | Director | April 1950 | 22 April 2021 | British | England | Chartered Accountant | |
| Philip Bunt | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Secretary | 22 July 2014 | 30 November 2020 | ||||
| Richard Anthony Gold | 39 Oakleigh Avenue, London, N20 9JE | Role Resigned | Secretary | 2 March 2000 | 13 December 2005 | British | Solicitor | ||
| David Russel Lerner | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Secretary | 13 December 2005 | 22 July 2014 | British | School Administrator | ||
| Simon Appleman | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | August 1974 | 1 September 2016 | 4 June 2018 | British | England | Headteacher |
| Julian David Bloom | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | October 1948 | 13 December 2005 | 31 December 2014 | British | England | Solicitor |
| Julian David Bloom | 70 St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD1 3RP | Role Resigned | Director | October 1948 | 16 April 2000 | 19 March 2002 | British | Solicitor | |
| Philip Alan Bunt | 176 Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6QJ | Role Resigned | Director | January 1958 | 13 December 2005 | 31 August 2011 | British | United Kingdom | Chartered Accountant |
| John Anthony Cooper | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | February 1946 | 11 September 2017 | 30 March 2023 | British | England | Chartered Accountant |
| Geraldine Fainer | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | July 1963 | 1 September 2017 | 31 July 2019 | British | England | Lawyer |
| Rachel Harriet Fink | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | July 1969 | 4 June 2018 | 31 May 2021 | British | England | Headteacher |
| Sidney Frosh | 50 Lodge Close, Canons Drive, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 7RL | Role Resigned | Director | August 1923 | 22 March 2006 | 5 July 2011 | British | None | |
| Michael Stuart Glass | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | May 1962 | 11 January 2010 | 23 March 2015 | British | England | Chartered Accountant |
| Richard Anthony Gold | 39 Oakleigh Avenue, London, N20 9JE | Role Resigned | Director | October 1941 | 2 March 2000 | 13 December 2005 | British | United Kingdom | Solicitor |
| Neil Barry Harris | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | July 1966 | 1 September 2011 | 27 June 2016 | British | England | Chartered Accountant |
| Rachel Harrison | 124 Hampden Road, London, N8 0HS | Role Resigned | Director | July 1946 | 3 September 2001 | 13 December 2005 | British | Student | |
| Russell Ivor Kett | 62 Wychwood Avenue, Edgware, Middlesex, HA8 6TH | Role Resigned | Director | May 1953 | 3 September 2001 | 11 January 2010 | British | United Kingdom | Company Director |
| Jonathan Moss Miller | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | January 1962 | 1 January 2008 | 31 August 2016 | British | United Kingdom | Headteacher |
| Graham Bennett Morrison-Wood | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | May 1951 | 13 December 2005 | 15 January 2020 | British | United Kingdom | Solicitor |
| Andrew Moss | Jfs School, The Mall, Harrow, England, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | December 1972 | 1 September 2019 | 1 September 2024 | British | England | Consultant |
| Ruth Renton | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | September 1970 | 8 December 2016 | 3 April 2017 | British | England | Solicitor |
| Dame Ruth Laura Robins | 31 Regents Park Road, London, NW1 7TL | Role Resigned | Director | October 1946 | 3 September 2001 | 31 December 2007 | British | England | Headteacher |
| Dr Lorraine Sherr | The Retreat, Tenterden Grove, London, NW4 1TH | Role Resigned | Director | November 1952 | 3 September 2001 | 13 December 2005 | British | United Kingdom | Prof Psychology |
| Arnold Wagner | 91 Woodcock Hill, Kenton, Harrow, Middlesex, HA3 0JJ | Role Resigned | Director | September 1949 | 2 March 2000 | 13 December 2005 | British | Uk | Personnel Director |
| Stuart Alexander Waldman | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | August 1968 | 26 July 2016 | 29 March 2021 | British | United Kingdom | Accountant |
| Steven Woolf | Jfs School, The Mall, Kenton, Harrow, HA3 9TE | Role Resigned | Director | January 1967 | 24 March 2015 | 30 June 2016 | British | England | Barrister |
Trustees
- Ishai Novick Chair (28 December 2011)
- Stephen Howard John Pack (22 April 2021). Also trustee of The Work Avenue Foundation | AJEX Charitable Foundation
- Andrew Moss (01 September 2019)
- John Anthony Cooper (11 September 2017). Also trustee of The Corporation of the Hall of Arts and Sciences
- Richard Kafton (?)
Staff
Headteachers
| 2021– | Dr David Moody[91] |
| 2021 | Paul Ramsay (Acting Joint Headteacher)
Anna Joseph (Acting Joint Headteacher)[92] |
| 2021 | Martin Tissot (Interim Headteacher)[93] |
| 2021 | Sir Michael Wilshaw (Executive Headteacher)[94] |
| 2018–2021 | Rachel Fink |
| 2018 | Simon Appleman (Acting Headteacher) |
| 2016–2017 | Debby Lipkin (Executive Headteacher)
Simon Appleman (Acting Headteacher) |
| 2008–2016 | Jonathan Miller |
| 1993–2007 | Dame Ruth Robins[95] |
| 1985–1993 | Josephine Wagerman, OBE[96] |
| 1973–1984 | Leslie Gatoff[97] |
| 1958–1972 | Dr. Edward S Conway[98] |
| 1926 | L. Bowman[12][13] |
| 1897–1907 | Louis Barnett Abrahams[99] |
| 1842–1897 | Moses Angel |
| 1732–1757 | Samuel Grant |
Former pupils
A-C
- Barney Barnato, Randlord
- Gina Bellman, actress[100]
- Raphael Benjamin, rabbi in Australia and America
- Eyal Booker, Love Island Contestant[101]
- Selig Brodetsky, mathematician, Zionist leader, and President of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Benjamin Cohen, journalist and Channel 4 News presenter[102]
- Morris Cohen, adventurer
D-F
- Judith Flacks-Leigh
- Dean Furman (born 1988) - professional footballer
G-J
- Maurice Glasman, academic, social thinker and Labour life peer
- Jonathan Glazer, BAFTA and Oscar award-winning film director
- Samuel Gompers, first President of the American Federation of Labor
- David Joseph, chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK[103]
K-N
- Ray Kelvin, founder of luxury clothing retail company Ted Baker
- Despite reports in the Guardian and the Independent, Jay Kay of Jamiroquai did not attend this school. Benjamin Cohen (who did and is listed here) recounts that the Guardian and Independent reports were themselves based on wrong information on Wikipedia – see [1]
- Josh Kennet (born 1987), English-Israeli footballer
- Bernard Lewis, founder and owner, River Island[104]
- Joe Loss, musician
O-R
- Ofra Offer Oren, 'Israeli' writer, poet, blogger and translator
- Sandy Rashty, Journalist - Jewish Chronicle, Sky News;
- Steven Reingold, cricketer
- Barbara Roche, Labour politician
S-V
- Joel Samuels – DJ Luck, DJ
- Jez San, game designer, Argonaut Games
- Florence Schechter, founder of Vagina Museum and author
- Ian Stone, comedian
Resources
- https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03942126
- https://th-th.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=623138882944095&id=100057439660589
- https://www.thejc.com/news/news/ofsted-downgrades-jfs-to-'inadequate'-1.517835
- https://www.thejc.com/news/news/jfs-gets-'good'-rating-one-year-after-shock-downgrade-3EwNVeU88TrGh5t62X9UnW
- https://x.com/Tracking_Power/status/1772887855427207314
- https://s2jnews.com/jfs-school-in-north-london-unashamedly-hold-strong-zionist-links/
- https://www.thejc.com/news/jfs-a-christian-solution-for-a-jewish-school-q35s3db1
- https://www.thejc.com/news/uk/teen-thugs-attack-and-board-jfs-school-buses-while-shouting-fk-israel-at-children-yn1eyqqu
Deleted pages on JFS website
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240814085357/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/idf-the-moral-army/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240203004047/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/idf-soldiers-say-thank-you/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20210115211716/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf
- https://web.archive.org/web/20230601024404/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/learning-to-use-the-wires-2/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240222102922/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/category/news/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240225091714/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/stand-with-us-israel-advocacy/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240422171611/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/gavin-stollar-obe-at-jfs/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240612151536/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/special-visitors-to-jfs/
- https://web.archive.org/web/20240226120342/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/ivrit-and-israel-education/
Contact
- Internet Archive holdings of jfs.brent.sch.uk
- https://jfsconnect.com/
- Ofsted: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/133724
- https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/03942126
External links
See also
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Department for Education, JFS (URN 133724), Get Information about Schools, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ JFS, About, jfs.brent.sch.uk, image https://assets.jfsschool.uk/media/JFS-281.jpg, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ Jews' Free School journal – The Jewish Museum.
- ↑ Jewish Free School, Camden Road, Camden LB.
- ↑ London: North. Yale University Press . ISBN 978-0-300-09653-8.
- ↑ Working Capital: Life and Labour in Contemporary London. Taylor & Francis . ISBN 978-1-136-47778-2.
- ↑ Ref needed
- ↑ International Handbook of Jewish Education. 2011-04-02. Springer Science & Business Media . ISBN 9789400703544.
- ↑ New Times (London), 21 May 1821, p. 3, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ Daily Telegraph, 21 February 1907, p. 4, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ Daily Telegraph, 1 July 1914, p. 14, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 East End News and London Shipping Chronicle, 19 March 1926, p. 5, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Hampstead News, 30 November 1950, p. 3, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ Jewish Echo, 6 December 1940, p. 1, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ East London Observer, 1 November 1941, p. 1, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ Newmarket Journal, 21 October 1939, p. 5, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).
- ↑ Newmarket Journal, 30 December 1939, p. 6, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).
- ↑ Newmarket Journal, 5 April 1941, p. 11, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).
- ↑ Newmarket Journal, 25 November 1939, p. 6, British Newspaper Archive, accessed 11 November 2026.
- ↑ West Briton, 25 December 1941, p. 5, via British Newspaper Archive (search-result summary, not read in full).
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 The Jewish Chronicle, 15 May 2015, p.20, archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ David Miller, How do we De-Zionise British schools?, Islamic Human Rights Commission, 3 December 2024, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ https://x.com/Tracking_Power/status/1772887855427207314
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20211114135049/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241007173149/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/lev-2/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20230215233448/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/jfs-israel-club/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241007082438/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/happy-birthday-israel/
- ↑ https://th-th.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=623138882944095&id=100057439660589
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20230215233934/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/ivrit-and-israel-education/
- ↑ Israel Inter-School Event, 16/05/2024.
- ↑ Stand With Us Israel Advocacy, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 1 February 2024, archived by the Wayback Machine on 25 February 2024, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20201104152531/https://ujia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/5742-UJIA-Annual-Report-2018-2019-SP-ONLINE.pdf
- ↑ Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.210.
- ↑ 34.0 34.1 Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.214.
- ↑ Judy Keiner, Opening up Jewish Education to Inspection, Education Policy Analysis Archives, vol. 4, no. 5, 25 March 1996, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission, SCOPUS JEWISH EDUCATIONAL TRUST - 313154: Governance, Register of Charities, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 37.0 37.1 Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.211.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.212.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.213.
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.242.
- ↑ Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.229.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 Internet Archive copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20210115211716/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/LEV-JFS-2020-Brochure.pdf
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241007192713/https://jfs.brent.sch.uk/
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20241113121258/https://www.jfs.brent.sch.uk/
- ↑ Mitzvot In the Merit of Our Soldiers and Captives, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 6 November 2023, archived by the Wayback Machine on 11 December 2023, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ 1-Minute Silence for Israel, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 13 October 2023, archived by the Wayback Machine on 11 December 2023, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Yom Hazikaron Events, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 10 May 2022, archived by the Wayback Machine on 17 May 2022, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Colonel Richard Kemp CBE, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 1 February 2019, archived by the Wayback Machine on 20 August 2019, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ British-born IDF soldier speaks to 300 London students about his experience, Jewish News, 2 February 2018, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Pin-drop silence: former Royal Marine meets 500 JFS students in mental health drive, Jewish News, 2 February 2023, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Y10 Journey Through History of Israel, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 28 November 2023, archived by the Wayback Machine on 1 February 2024, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Celebrating Chanukah With the Ambassador, jfs.brent.sch.uk, 27 December 2022, archived by the Wayback Machine on 1 June 2023, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Pikuach, JFS inspection report, February 2020, pikuach.org.uk, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ Pikuach, JFS inspection report, 2 April 2025, pikuach.org.uk, accessed 2 November 2026.
- ↑ 55.0 55.1 JFS School (@JFSSchool), post, 5 June 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 56.0 56.1 JFS School (@JFSSchool), post, 3 June 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 57.0 57.1 JFS School (@JFSSchool), post, 22 May 2020, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ Daniel Ben-David, What is happening with Israel Tour?, The Jewish Chronicle, 7 March 2024, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ Barry Toberman, JNF invests heavily in Israel studies for UK pupils, The Jewish Chronicle, 14 December 2018, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ Barry Toberman, JNF funds UK pupils for Israel studies, The Jewish Chronicle, 14 December 2018, p.1, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 61.0 61.1 The Jewish Chronicle, 26 July 2019, p.15, archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 62.0 62.1 The Jewish Chronicle, 1 July 1977, p.4, archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ The Jewish Chronicle, 20 May 1983, p.25, archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 64.0 64.1 The Jewish Chronicle, 26 April 2002, p.20, "Independence Day crowds", archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 65.0 65.1 The Jewish Chronicle, 20 April 2018, p.18, archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 66.0 66.1 The Jewish Chronicle, 19 May 2023, p.3, archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 Katie Grant and Richard Percival, The Jewish Chronicle, 13 October 2023, p.8, "the relatives and friends left behind", archive, accessed 6 November 2026.
- ↑ 68.0 68.1 Charity Commission, BEIT HALOCHEM UK - 1146950, Register of Charities, register data extract of 13 October 2026, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ The Jewish Chronicle, 9 February 2018, p. 26, "Students stand by Israel's veterans" (Charity Matters supplement), JC Archive (subscription), accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 Beit Halochem UK, For Schools, bhuk.org, archived by the Wayback Machine on 12 February 2025, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ 71.0 71.1 71.2 Beit Halochem UK, For schools, bhuk.org (page text and school logos), accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Beit Halochem UK, For Schools, bhuk.org, archived by the Wayback Machine on 24 January 2022, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ It's a knockout event at JFS for Beit Halochem, bhuk.org, 21 July 2025, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Beit Halochem UK 'It's a Knockout' event raises £46,000, bhuk.org, 24 July 2026, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Beit Halochem UK, Trustees, bhuk.org, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ JFS School, jfs.brent.sch.uk, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Vision and Values, jfs.brent.sch.uk, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Residential Trips, jfs.brent.sch.uk, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Parental Contributions, jfs.brent.sch.uk, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ JiEP, jfs.brent.sch.uk, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ About Us, jfs.brent.sch.uk, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ 82.0 82.1 Ofsted, JFS: inspection report, inspection of 28 April 2026, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Ofsted, JFS: inspection report, inspection of 4 and 28 April 2022, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Ofsted, JFS: inspection report, inspection of 30 April–5 May 2021, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Ofsted, JFS: inspection report, inspection of 8–9 November 2016, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission, JFS CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED - 1114730, Register of Charities, register data extract of 13 October 2026, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Companies House, JFS CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (03942126): People, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Companies House, JFS CHARITABLE TRUST LIMITED (03942126): Persons with significant control, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission, JFSPA - JFS Parents Association - 294872: Trustees, Register of Charities, register data extract of 13 October 2026, accessed 1 November 2026.
- ↑ Gerry Black, JFS: A history of the Jews' Free School, London since 1732, Tymsder Publishing, 1998, p.220.
- ↑ New JFS head with zero tolerance for ill-discipline.
- ↑ JFS appoints acting joint heads as search for full-time hire stepped up.
- ↑ Catholic schools chief made JFS interim head.
- ↑ Former Ofsted chief to become new JFS headteacher.
- ↑ Dame Ruth Steps Down As JFS Head.
- ↑ Later elected first female president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. First woman elected to lead Jewish board. The Daily Telegraph.
- ↑ I, Jonathan Goldsmith, left in 1975 and Gatoff had been there 2 years by then
- ↑ Comprehending Comprehensives: The J.F.S. Experience. Woburn Press . ISBN 978-0-7130-4008-1.
- ↑ Jews' Free School - The New Headmaster. 1897-12-10.
- ↑ Interview: Gina Bellman, The Jewish Chronicle, 17 January 2014
- ↑ Love Island's Jewish contestant Eyal Booker's brother tells all.
- ↑ Bibi and the boy wonder. The Jewish Chronicle.
- ↑ David Joseph: 'We creatively empower our artists globally. I'm proud of that.'.
- ↑ From the archive: The Drapers Interview with River Island founder Bernard Lewis.