Immanuel College closure sparks urgent search for school places

Hundreds of pupils are seeking new school places following the closure of Immanuel College, as communal leaders move to coordinate an urgent response.

PaJeS, the Jewish schools network, said it is working closely with Immanuel College and other Jewish secondary schools to support families navigating the admissions process.

An emergency meeting of headteachers and governors was convened on 15 April, where a coordinated plan was agreed to manage demand for places and provide guidance to parents.

Rabbi David Meyer, chief executive of PaJeS, said: “Nobody wanted to be in this situation, and we have every sympathy for the families affected. Our job now is to do everything in our power to support them. We cannot make promises we cannot keep, but we can ensure that no family is left to flounder alone.

“The Jewish schools community is coming together in a way that I find genuinely moving, and I am confident that together we will find the best possible path forward for every child.”

PaJeS has launched an online portal for families to register their details, alongside publishing guidance on admissions requirements across different schools, in an effort to streamline the process.

Jewish secondary schools have also been asked to submit confidential assessments of available places by year group, as well as the costs of expanding capacity. PaJeS said it will use the information to explore funding options with communal trusts and donors to enable schools to take additional pupils.

Several schools have outlined steps to accommodate displaced students.

Yavneh College has said it will do “everything within its power” to admit Immanuel pupils and will host a parent information evening on 20 April.

JFS and JCoSS have confirmed they will reopen sixth form applications for current Year 11 pupils for a limited period, subject to admissions criteria and course availability.

Hasmonean High School said it is accepting both in-year and sixth form applications and aims to admit as many eligible pupils as possible where space allows.

Immanuel College said it intends to continue operating for current Year 10 and Year 12 pupils so they can complete their GCSE and A-level courses, subject to sufficient numbers remaining.

Leaders also acknowledged challenges around the Community Religious Practice (CRP) requirement, which typically involves multiple synagogue attendances over several weeks. PaJeS said it is in discussions with the United Synagogue and schools to explore potential flexibility given the circumstances.

Families have been urged to register via the PaJeS system as soon as possible to access support and updates.