Menorah High School for Girls, located in London, is a voluntary-aided secondary school for Orthodox Jewish girls aged 11 to 18. The school opened in September 2001 and converted to its current status in April 2016. It aims to provide a broad and balanced education that integrates both the secular curriculum and Jewish studies. The school is smaller than the average secondary school, with a student population primarily from White British backgrounds. The proportion of pupils eligible for pupil premium funding is well below the national average, and fewer pupils receive support for special educational needs and disabilities compared to other schools.
The school was inspected for the first time since its conversion to voluntary-aided status in February 2019. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, with outstanding ratings for leadership and management, as well as the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment. The personal development, behavior, and welfare of pupils were rated as good, while outcomes for pupils were deemed outstanding. The sixth form provision was also rated as good.
Leaders and governors at Menorah High School are dedicated to providing a high-quality education. They effectively balance the secular curriculum with Jewish studies, ensuring that pupils are well-prepared for their future education and life in modern Britain. The school offers a high level of pastoral and academic support, with staff who know each pupil well and provide the necessary support to help them thrive. The quality of teaching is outstanding, with teachers demonstrating strong subject knowledge and a commitment to helping pupils reach their potential. This has resulted in pupils making outstanding progress in their studies.
Pupils exhibit outstanding behavior, showing confidence, politeness, and respect towards one another and staff. They feel safe in the school environment and are aware of how to seek help if needed. The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, ensuring that all staff are trained and aware of their responsibilities. Pupils also receive comprehensive careers guidance throughout their time at the school, which helps them develop skills relevant to the workplace.
While the school provides a range of extracurricular activities and trips that enrich pupils' experiences, there is a need for more opportunities for pupils to engage with individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and faiths. Additionally, the variety of sports offered in physical education is limited, and leaders are working to expand this aspect of the curriculum.
The school has identified areas for improvement, including broadening pupils' personal development through more frequent activities that promote health and well-being, as well as enhancing the sixth form provision by extending course offerings and ensuring appropriate recruitment to courses. Overall, Menorah High School for Girls is committed to maintaining high standards and fostering an environment where pupils can excel academically and personally. The school community is supportive, and parents express high levels of satisfaction with the education their children receive.
