Ages 
For a very large comprehensive, JFS punches way above its weight academically. Still one of the main schools of choice for Jewish families wanting the best education for their child: ‘You get as good as you can get for a non-fee-paying school’, one parent said. Plagued with bad press in recent years, but inspiring new head has picked it up, dusted it down and already turned the school around in a relatively short space of time.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,526 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 573 ·
- Religion
- Jewish
- Local authority
- London Borough of Brent
Headteacher
Headteacher
Dr David Moody
Since 2021, Dr David Moody, previously at the Academies Enterprise Trust, overseeing 10 secondary schools - good experience, ‘but too administrative and you are always working under somebody else’s vision.’ Swooped in to turnaround JFS after it had
Entrance
Now oversubscribed for the 300 year 7 places, after a slight drop in numbers in the year after it was placed into special measures. Admissions mainly via a ‘lottery’ based system, with only a few places allocated by postcode (although all the usual
- Open days
- Every term
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just over 20 cent leave after GCSEs to try something else (often more vocational). Almost all sixth formers to higher education, with most attending university. For a large comprehensive school with a turbulent couple of years, the university
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 54 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 55 per cent A*/A at A level (84 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Consistently in the top one per cent of non-selective schools nationally, JFS continues to achieve pretty stunning results. Year 7 pupils are set for maths, Jewish studies, Hebrew and PE. Excellent support for both high and lower ability students.
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Sixteen per cent on the SEN register; just shy of three per cent have an EHCP. New ‘utterly dedicated and amazing’ full time SENCo: ‘She is a person of compassion and kindness who is always available and responds quickly, my son loves her.’
Arts & extracurricular
Superb artwork everywhere, including some huge canvasses. A haunting installation of clay shoes (near reception) caught our eye, depicting those who had perished in the Holocaust.
Drama flourishes on a big scale, staging yearly musicals
Sport
Impressive array of trophies on display, won in both Maccabi Games and local fixtures. Students also represent JFS in Brent League swimming. Generally good opportunities in netball, football, badminton, basketball, trampolining, fitness, athletics,
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1732 and moved to London’s East End in 1832. The site was bombed during the war, and in 1958 relocated to Camden. Expanding numbers, plus the need to upgrade school facilities, led to the move in 2002 to its present purpose-built home in
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
When we last visited JFS, much optimism surrounded the then new head who had been brought in to salvage the reputation of this former ‘Outstanding’ school which had plummeted to ‘Requires Improvement.’ Four years on, with Dr Moody now at the helm
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Use of Yondr Pouches. Students lock their phones into these at the start of the day and unlock them at the end. The pouches remain with students througout the day.
Pupils & parents
A broad social and religious mix of families, with about eight per cent on free school meals. Students we met were confident and articulate. School buses pick up from far and wide although school does not encourage a journey longer than an hour.
Money matters
A school that heavily relies on the goodwill and generosity of its wealthy benefactors, such as the Wolfson Trust which recently donated £2 million for the new computer suite. While not a fee-paying school, yearly donations are expected for those who
The last word
For a very large comprehensive, JFS punches way above its weight academically. Still one of the main schools of choice for Jewish families wanting the best education for their child: ‘You get as good as you can get for a non-fee-paying school’, one
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Inadequate
| Personal development | Good |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Inadequate |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Inadequate |
| Leadership and management | Inadequate |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
