Outstanding! Jewish education at JCoSS ‘an example to others’

Jewish education at Barnet secondary school JCoSS is simply ‘Outstanding’, according to the latest official assessment.

Inspectors from Pikuach, accredited by the Department of Education, also gave the highest rating to the school’s Jewish personal and spiritual development, leadership and management.

Headteacher Dr Melanie Lee said:  “We were extremely fortunate to have been able to welcome the inspectors into JCoSS on two very special days – Yom Hazikaraon and Yom Ha’atzmaut, so the report captures not just the work of the formal and informal Jewish Education teams but also the true essence and spirit of our amazing school. Inspectors spoke about the overwhelmingly positive comments that parents made through the survey.”

Dr Lee said the Pikuach judgement and outcome are “richly deserved” and the school is “extremely proud that the inspectors awarded such emphatic endorsement of this significant aspect of what JCoSS is and does as a school.”

She praised “the inspirational work of the entire Jewish Education Team, under the brilliant leadership of Mrs Juggler and Ms Levan. A hearty Mazeltov to this incredible faculty and the whole JCoSS community.”

Mrs Juggler and Ms Levan said: “JCoSS is building the future of the Jewish community. We strongly believe that our pluralistic approach to Jewish education is a model for the future as it allows our students to think independently and critically whilst developing a love and respect for Judaism. We are delighted that Pikuach has recognised this”.

“The inspectors recognised and celebrated our unique Jewish pluralist ethos. They said ‘The way the school goes about developing students’ Jewish character and values is exemplary and is worthy of being disseminated widely as an example to other schools’.”

Inspectors noted the “exceptionally well planned and varied” Jewish learning and practice curriculum, and that students felt the school was “a vibrant, dynamic, pluralist Jewish environment, where all voices are heard, and everyone is able to engage in a wide range of Jewish experiences through both the formal and informal Jewish education provision.”