JFS in Harrow, Harrow

Education Centre Information: JFS:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Brent
Reason Establishment Opened: New Provision
Establishment Open Date: 01/09/2002
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Religious Character: Jewish
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 2037
Number of boys: 1021
Number of girls: 1016
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

JFS School opened in 1732 as Talmud Torah of the Great Synagogue, and became the 'Jewish Free School' (or JFS) in 1817. In 1993, it became grant-maintained, and in 1999 it reverted to voluntary aided status. In 2002, it relocated from Camden to a new 26-acre greenfield site in Harrow. Facilities include 50 classrooms with interactive whiteboards, 15 science laboratories, five technology laboratories, five art rooms linked to a sculpture terrace, a music suite with recording studio, a theatre, two sports halls, a multigym, external multi-sport surfaces including all-weather pitch, ICT suite, a school synagogue, a sixth-form centre for 500 students, and 16 independent learning areas with computers. There is a range of special activities for gifted and talented pupils, including Latin, geneaology, and artist-in-residence projects. Sports include athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, dance, football, gymnastics, hockey, rounders, rugby, softball, table tennis and trampolining. Many sports competitions are entered by pupils. Extra-curricular activities include chess, debating, public-speaking, Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, Young Enterprise, computing, photography, art, choir and orchestra. The school raises funds for Jewish and non-Jewish charities. Specialist humanities college status. Over-subscribed, with more than two applications per place. Beacon status (2000); Sportsmark (2001); DfES achievement award (2002).