Jewish schools hail strong grades in first GCSE exam results since Covid-19

Jewish schools are celebrating record-breaking GCSE results following the first in-person exams to be sat since 2019.

Multiple Jewish schools in England have reported strong results, with some saying more students than ever before have received the highest grades.

Immanuel College in Bushey, Hertfordshire, said this year’s results were the best traditional exam results in its history, with more than half of all results graded at 8 or 9.

Nearly a third – 31% – of students received a Grade 9 and the school’s average GCSE grade was halfway between a 7 and an 8.

Headteacher Mike Buchanan said: “We are very happy to celebrate with pupils and their families on such outstanding results, especially given the upheaval of the last two years, and the challenges the pupils have faced.

“We look forward to welcoming pupils to IC6 (Immanuel College Sixth Form) in September.”

At JFS in Kenton, north London, 40% of all GCSE grades were at 8 or above.

Headteacher David Moody said it was an “exceptional” performance: “The way in which they have brought every ounce of their effort to bear on these exams has been incredible to watch and they should be hugely proud of everything that they have achieved.

“They are a superb group of students, supported by an excellent staff at JFS and deeply caring families.”

Yavneh College in Borehamwood said more than a third – 36% – of its students had received grades 8 or 9.

Spencer Lewis, the headteacher, said it was “testament to the hard work and dedication of the pupils and of the incredible team of staff at our school”.

For the Jewish Community Secondary School in Barnet, north London, 32% of all results were at Grade 8 or 9.

“These are excellent grades, achieved against a backdrop of exceptional challenges during and since the pandemic,” said Patrick Moriarty, the headteacher.

“Not only were GCSE courses disrupted by school closure, isolations and remote learning, but the social and emotional toll on students and their families has been very significant too.”

At King Solomon High School in Ilford, East London, students were celebrating a “fantastic set of GCSE results” despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The school named seven students who had secured multiple high results ranging between Grades 7 and 9.

“Their results are a credit to their hard work and determination, and to the commitment and dedication of their teachers,” said Hannele Reece, the headteacher.

“I look forward to welcoming students into the sixth form to continue their journey with us.”