Quiz masters: Independent and North West London Jewish Day Schools win top prizes at Etgar 2025
More than 1,000 pupils from 28 Jewish primary schools across the UK took part in the country’s biggest Jewish primary school quiz, held at Wembley Stadium
Independent Jewish Day School (IJDS) and North West London Jewish Day School (NWLJDS) were crowned winners at Etgar 2025 – the UK’s largest Jewish primary school quiz challenge – after triumphing in two headline categories at a high-energy event held at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
Now in its 13th year, the inter-school competition brought together more than 1,000 Year 5 pupils from 28 Jewish primary schools across the country for a full afternoon of general knowledge, creativity and spirited teamwork.
IJDS took home the trophy for the highest-scoring single team, while North West was awarded Best School Across All Tables, recognising the highest overall score from all teams entered by one school. Sacks Morasha finished second overall, with a second NWLJDS team placing third.
“It’s Simchat Torah with a band,” said Michael Kramar, former Jewish Studies educator from North West London Jewish Day School. “The kids have such a wonderful time, and it’s irrelevant whether they are winning or not, they just enjoy the atmosphere. The booklet is packed full of information in a fun way. They learn a lot from it – and they carry that knowledge with them for years.”
Rabbi Zach Ford, who oversees Etgar preparation at NWLJDS, said: “I would like to congratulate my students on their exceptional achievement of being best overall school. They worked so hard for this and so I’m pleased they have something to show for it!”
This year’s quiz included 50 multiple-choice questions followed by two creative tasks – one asking pupils to script a cartoon imagining a conversation between Noah and his wife before entering the ark, and another tasking them with speed-stacking cups to correctly arrange the lyrics of Hatikvah, Israel’s national anthem. Rosh Pinah won that category, while Wohl Ilford were runners-up in the design prize, and Matilda Marks Kennedy took the overall creative award.
Schools travelled from across the country, including Salford, Leeds and Manchester. “We left at 7.30 in the morning,” said one teacher. “It’s amazing watching it – it’s so important to come and join in.”
A teacher from King David Primary School in Manchester said: “We’ve got a smaller Jewish studies curriculum, so we focus on Jewish general knowledge as a subject. It’s something Jewish, something exciting – something that gives them energy.”
A teacher from Brodetsky Primary School added: “In geography, they learn about London, the Tube, planning travel and tickets. Some made origami and sold it to raise money for the trip. They were so excited.”
The Chief Rabbi, who returned from Israel just hours before the event, told pupils: “This is a Wembley moment in which every single person is a winner. There is nothing more important for the future of Judaism than great Jewish education – and thank God for Etgar being at the centre of that here in the UK.”
Rabbi Marc Levene, who has hosted every Etgar since its launch in 2013, said: “This isn’t just about what they learn – it’s about creating memories that will carry them into Jewish education, Jewish values.”
One pupil told Jewish News: “You learn a lot more about Judaism when you come here. You’re surrounded by Jews and people who support you.”
Founded in 2011 by Jo Rosenfelder and Adam Taub, Etgar aims to foster Jewish general knowledge through a team-based format that is inclusive, motivational and fun. Pupils receive a dedicated handbook – based on material developed by IJDS – and schools ARE given weekly challenges and resources in the run-up to the event.
The programme is run by director Atarah Ruback, with creative content from designer Miki Shaw and support from a team of madrichim and volunteers. Entry costs £10 per child, and schools can bring as many pupils as they wish, in teams of up to ten.
This year’s participating schools included: Alma, Beit Shvidler, Broadway, Brodetsky, Broughton Jewish Primary School, Etz Chaim, Hertsmere, Hasmonean, Immanuel, Independent Jewish Day School, King David Manchester, Matilda Marks Kennedy, Menorah Foundation, Nancy Reuben, North Cheshire, North West London Jewish Day School, Rimon, Rosh Pinah, Sacks Morasha, Shalom Noam, Simon Marks, Sinai, Wohl Ilford, Wolfson Hillel and Yavneh.
As one teacher simply put it: “It’s inclusive, professional, and unforgettable.”