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Clarion School offers places to Jewish families left without secondary spots
PaJeS hosts information evening amid record demand and long waiting lists at JFS, Yavneh and JCoSS
Jewish families still without secondary school places have been offered an alternative option at Clarion School in Cricklewood, following unprecedented demand at mainstream Jewish schools this year.
At an information evening hosted by PaJeS on Thursday, parents on waiting lists for JFS, Yavneh and JCoSS heard directly from Clarion’s headteacher Chris Hunt, who outlined tailored provision for Jewish students.
Clarion, formerly Whitefield School, is a four-form entry secondary ranked in the top 9 percent of schools nationally, and has seen a transformation under Hunt’s leadership, including a zero-tolerance policy on antisemitism and disruption.
The school plans to integrate Jewish pupils across all year groups through its house system and provide fortnightly enrichment sessions in Jewish Studies, along with after-school Jewish clubs.
Hunt, who personally teaches Year 7 science, has also opened direct communication with families. The offer was warmly received, with parents requesting a follow-up school visit now set to take place at the end of the month.
Rabbi David Meyer OBE, CEO of PaJeS, said: “We are deeply grateful to Chris Hunt and Clarion School for their commitment to supporting Jewish families during this challenging time. Their academic record and safe environment make them an ideal partner – especially considering this proposal emerged in the very last week of the school term.”
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